‘Protect children from being recruited by terror group’

PRESIDENT Hussein Mwinyi has implored parents and guardians to protect their children from being recruited and exploited by extremist groups

He said at State House on Monday that parents and guardians have a role to play in protecting their children instead of leaving the matter to the government.

There is a growing public concern in Zanzibar over the disappearance some teenagers, allegedly after being recruited and exploited by terror groups outside east African region.

“The government is aware about the disappearance of young people, investigations are already underway. We need to find out where the young people have gone,” said President Mwinyi during his monthly engagement with the media.

Dr Mwinyi said that protection of the youth from radicalization and joining extremist groups needed collaboration especially from the parents and guardians.

“If you learn about suspicious movement of people and even conduct of your child, report the matter to the relevant authorities, so that the government can act. This is the only way we can prevent children from being recruited in bad groups.”

The Commissioner of Police (CP) Zanzibar Hamad Khamis Hamad said some parents have reported the disappearance of their children and that the force was investigating where they have gone.

“We will know what has been going on as regards to the disappearance of young people,” he said.

CP Hamad also met with Zanzibar’s Minister responsible for Special Department (Isles Forces) Mr Masoud Mohamed Ali and discussed the need for police force and the Special Forces to work closely in ensuring peace, stability and protection of peoples properties.

Zanzibar’s special department of KMKM, JKU, Volantia, Firefighters, and Prisons were established to perform specific roles, they are also engaged in keeping the country secure.