DAR ES SALAAM: CHIEF Justice of Tanzania, Prof Ibrahim Juma, has called for a united global effort to address transnational organised crime across Africa, with a particular focus on Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique.
His appeal came during the opening of a two-day workshop on the implementation of laws against such crimes.
“We need cooperation and collaboration; we cannot fight transnational organised crimes alone,” Prof Juma said at the workshop attended by various judicial officers, including High Court judges and Chief Registrar Ms Eva Nkya.
Prof Juma emphasised that international cooperation is crucial in combating crimes like human trafficking, drug trade, illegal fishing, piracy, armed robbery and arms trafficking.
He noted that Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique face significant challenges due to their geographical locations, socio-economic conditions and political contexts.
“We cannot succeed if we isolate ourselves behind national sovereignty,” he warned the participants. He argued that national crime-fighting stakeholders must move beyond working in isolation and actively engage in information sharing and collaboration.
“Working in silos does not help us. We must break down these barriers, share knowledge and develop practical solutions,” he added.
Prof Juma highlighted that such workshops offer a unique opportunity to enhance collective capacity to combat transnational crimes and improve overall effectiveness.
Dr Paul Faustine Kihwelo, Justice of the Court of Appeal and Principal of the Institute of Judicial Administration (IJA) in Lushoto, welcomed the Chief Justice and underscored the complexity of transnational organised crimes.
He emphasised that these crimes transcend geographical borders, creating a complex web of international criminal activities that cannot be tackled by any single institution or nation alone.
Mr Romualdo Mavedzenge, Global Deputy Director of Programmes for the International Development Law Organisation (IDLO), also spoke, stating that the increasing complexity of transnational organised crimes requires a unified response that goes beyond national boundaries and institutional mandates.
“This workshop is a crucial platform for strengthening our collective efforts and fostering deeper cooperation among justice stakeholders,” he said.
Justice Dr Smokin Wanjala of the Supreme Court of Kenya and Director-General of the Kenya Judiciary Academy noted that transnational crimes threaten national security, economic stability and social cohesion. He stressed that combating these crimes requires a long-term, collaborative approach.
Supreme Court of Mozambique Justice José Norberto Carrilho added that criminal syndicates now operate with unprecedented sophistication, utilising technological advancements and global economic interconnectedness. “This evolution demands a coordinated and advanced response from our law enforcement and judicial systems,” he said.
