DODOMA: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has called on tribal chiefs to take a proactive role in protecting children by leveraging Tanzania’s rich customs and traditions.
During an address at the Chamwino State House in Dodoma on Saturday, President Samia raised concern on the alarming increase in incidents of child abductions, disappearances, organ harvesting and the mutilation of individuals with albinism.
“This wave of crime often places the burden of blame on the government and security agencies,” President Samia said, highlighting the need for concerted grassroots action.
She urged both government and tribal leaders to speak out against such acts and hold perpetrators to account.
Dr Samia pointed out that leaders at various levels, including religious and traditional figures, must not remain silent when such crimes occur.
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“This is not the Tanzania we want. No tribe in Tanzania supports these acts, and if foreigners are bringing this culture, we must reject it,” she said.
Addressing the timing of these crimes, which often coincides with election periods, President Samia reminded the chiefs that political positions should not be attained through violence or organ harvesting.
“Authority is granted by God, not by taking lives or body parts. Educate the people to understand this,” she urged.
The Head of State also mentioned the disturbing trend of staged abductions, where children fake kidnappings to extort money or mothers orchestrate kidnappings to demand money from fathers.
“These incidents are disgraceful and tarnish our nation’s reputation. Tanzania holds a great reputation in our region and globally, and these reports damage that country’s image,” she said.
She further said there is a need for community leaders to be vigilant and proactive in preventing the crimes.
“The government and security agencies are working hard, but we need your help (tribal chiefs) to prevent these issues from the grassroots level,” she said.
Tanzania is home to over 100 ethnic groups and tribes, each with distinct customs and languages.
Notable tribes include the Sukuma (the largest group), the Hehe (known for their warrior traditions), the Chagga (agricultural experts), the Datooga (livestock keepers) and the Barabaig (cattle herders).
Meanwhile, police have also issued a stern warning following a recent surge of fake news reports circulating on social media claiming that children from specific schools have been slaughtered, causing widespread panic, distress among parents, guardians, and children.
“These false reports are not only causing unnecessary alarm but are also criminal offences,” said DCP Misime. “Such actions are to be strongly condemned by all members of the society who detest these malicious behaviours,” DCP Misime said.
DCP Misime urged the public to continue with their daily routines while efforts are made to apprehend those responsible for spreading these baseless and harmful rumours.
“The individuals behind these actions will be tracked down, arrested and brought to justice,” he emphasised.
He also reminded the public that sharing unverified or false information is a criminal act under the Cybercrimes Act of 2015.
Offenders can be arrested and prosecuted. “To avoid legal repercussions, individuals are advised not to disseminate any information unless its authenticity is confirmed,” he stated.