Campaign resolves child custody dispute in Ilala

DAR ES SALAAM: IN a heartwarming resolution to a prolonged family conflict, the Mama Samia Legal Aid Campaign has successfully mediated a custody dispute involving a nine-yearold child, ensuring the child’s right to stable and supportive care.

The case unfolded in Kivule area, Ilala District, where Ms Habiba Mussa, the child’s paternal aunt, explained how she had raised the child from the age of eight months after the biological mother allegedly failed to provide adequate care.

Over the years, Ms Mussa became the child’s primary caregiver.

However, tensions flared recently when the biological mother attempted to take the child without prior notice.

“One day she came in a car, waited outside for the child to come out and tried to take them without informing me,” she recalled.

“Neighbours thought it was a kidnapping because many didn’t recognise her. Fortunately, the child remained safe.”

After the family failed to resolve the issue through the local government office, they were referred to the Mama Samia Legal Aid Campaign, which offers free legal services to vulnerable Tanzanians.

“At the campaign centre, I was listened to with respect,” said Ms Mussa.

“They asked me to invite the child’s mother, who came with her husband. Through mediation, we learned about the legal responsibilities and rights regarding custody.”

A consensus was reached: the child would remain with Ms Mussa, the long-time guardian, while the mother would contribute to the child’s welfare and host visits during school holidays.

She expressed her gratitude: “Thanks to this initiative, we now have a fair and clear plan to raise the child together.”

The child’s mother, Ms Rahma Bakari, clarified she never intended to abduct the child: “I just wanted to see my child. I hadn’t communicated with Habiba for over six months.”

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She admitted that misunderstandings and environmental concerns had strained the relationship, but appreciated the campaign’s role in reconciling them.

“This campaign helped me understand the law. We’re now committed to peaceful co-parenting,” she said.

The family has faced difficulties since 2011, when Rahma married her late husband.

After separating in 2020 and his death in 2024, inheritance conflicts worsened the situation.

Now, with legal guidance and mutual understanding, the family looks forward to a more cooperative future thanks to the timely intervention of the Mama Samia Legal Aid Campaign.