President Samia envisions stronger army

…Tasks TPDF to keep pace with global technological changes

DAR ES SALAAM: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has tasked the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF) with embracing global technological changes in defence and security to address a more diverse set of threats.

She made the remark during the opening of the Seventh Meeting of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Commanders in Dar es Salaam yesterday.

She emphasised the importance of applying science and technology to respond to various challenges, including security threats.

“Great advances in science and technology keep coming, and they bring along new defence and security challenges. Therefore, you must remain prepared to overcome these emerging threats,” Dr Samia said.

Dr Samia stated that in the past, the army fought against visible and known enemies. However, due to technological advancements, most enemies are no longer visible without expertise in technology.

She stressed the need for the army to adapt its methods and strategies in defence and security in response to these changes.

“The situation has changed significantly around the globe, and we need to adapt. We must modify our methods and strategies for the defence and security of our country,” she said.

Regarding the theme of the meeting, “Trust, Obedience, and Courage are the basis of our Army,” Dr Samia explained that it reflects the discipline, skills and courage for which the Tanzanian army is known.

She said the theme is also in line with the government’s goals to ensure that all employees work with the highest degree of integrity, discipline, honesty, and professionals, and be provided with appropriate training to bring positive results to the nation.

She urged them to maintain these values and qualities.

The theme also aligns with the government’s goals of ensuring that all employees work with integrity, discipline, honesty and professionalism while receiving appropriate training to achieve positive results for the nation.

Furthermore, Dr Samia assured the army that the government would provide the necessary support to enable them to fulfill their goals.

This includes creating a friendly and enabling environment for their operations, as well as providing training, weapons, equipment and other necessary support. She emphasised the government’s commitment to building a strong army in the country.

Dr Samia expressed her belief that the meeting would allow the soldiers to evaluate themselves and discuss the state of the army and future strategies.

She highlighted the army’s 60 years of existence and its influence in regional blocs such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC), as well as its participation in peacekeeping missions worldwide.

The President emphasised the importance of Tanzania’s participation in peacekeeping missions for national interests.

She commended the army for its implementation of the basic responsibility of protecting the country with great patriotism. She also acknowledged their efforts during disasters, such as the Katesh mud floods in Hanang District, Manyara Region.

Dr Samia emphasised that peace in the country enables economic activities to continue and that the protection and security of the country are essential for its economic growth.

She urged the army to analyse and closely follow up on terrorist groups recruiting Tanzanian youths in other countries to eliminate threats facing the country and the globe.

However, the President also directed the army to continue the process of identifying refugees, including those from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), for repatriation to their countries.

She pledged that the government would engage in political dialogue with neighbouring countries to facilitate the return of refugees to their homelands.

During the opening ceremony, Dr Samia received a gift from TPDF presented by CDF General Jacob Mkunda.