SIMIYU: THE Patron of the Tanzania Pastoralists Association (CCWT), Mr Joseph Makongoro, has urged pastoralists across the country, to use the upcoming General Elections slated for later this year as an opportunity to choose leaders who will champion their interests.
He said that it is important for both pastoralists and farmers to use the opportunity to elect representatives for parliament and local government authorities who will address the challenges facing them by collaborating with the government.
Makongoro made the remarks yesterday while speaking to pastoralists and farmers in Itilima District, during a meeting held in Ndololezi village, within the district.
He said that pastoralists in the country continue to face numerous challenges that have not been adequately addressed by the government, and therefore they need representatives who will prioritise their interests.
“I take this opportunity to urge all pastoralists in the country, particularly those in Itilima. This year, our country will hold general election. Let us use this chance to elect leaders who will prioritise our challenges over their own interests,” said Mr Makongoro.
He further informed the pastoralists that President Samia Suluhu Hassan has approved the creation of a special body that will be responsible for addressing all the challenges facing pastoralists in the country.
He explained that the establishment of the body will serve as a solution to the problems of pastoralists since it will have a single authority capable of listening to and addressing their grievances in a timely manner.
“For a long time, the leaders of the National Pastoralists Association, together with me as your patron, have fought for the creation of an institution to resolve our problems.
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I am here to inform you that President Dr Samia has approved the creation of this body,” said Mr Makongoro.
He urged the pastoralists to protect the peace of the country and never allow themselves to be used as a source of unrest in their areas, but rather to be good ambassadors in defending the peace of the nation.
During the meeting, some farmers appealed for the patron’s assistance in resolving the frequent conflicts between them and the wildlife conservation authorities.
“We have had recurring conflicts with the wildlife authorities because we border the Maswa Game Reserve, and these conflicts are caused by the lack of sufficient grazing land,” said Malingo Nkelebe.
