Tanzania leads with free legal aid for all
DID you know that Tanzania is setting the global standard for accessible justice? Under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership, the country has launched a groundbreaking Legal Aid Campaign, providing free legal services to those unable to afford them.
This initiative has garnered international acclaim, with Commonwealth member states eager to replicate it. Here, Commonwealth member states have expressed great admiration for President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s Legal Aid Campaign, which was officially launched in 2023 in Songea, Ruvuma Region by the Vice President Dr Philip Isdor Mpango.
The campaign, coordinated by the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs, aims to provide free legal aid services to citizens who cannot afford court-related expenses.
This was revealed to the press by the Coordinator of the Samia Legal Aid Campaign, who is also a State Attorney at the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs, Mr Hassan Linyama.
He made the statement during a visit to Matetereka and Lilondo Wards in Madaba District, covering villages such as Mwande, Matetereka, Maweso and Lilondo, areas where citizens continue to receive legal education on resolving disputes related to marriage, inheritance, land, gender-based violence, elections and constitutional changes.
Mr Linyama explained that his remarks to the media were based on a statement made by the Minister for Constitution and Legal Affairs and MP for Songea Urban, Dr Damas Daniel Ndumbaro, during a Commonwealth meeting.
“At that meeting, he stated that Commonwealth countries are highly impressed by President Samia’s Legal Aid Campaign and are requesting to replicate it in their own nations even though the intellectual property rights belong to Tanzania.”
“In fact,” Linyama added, “Tanzania is the first country in the world to implement such a campaign. If the Commonwealth has agreed to adopt it, that confirms that Tanzania is a nation governed by the rule of law and good governance.
The Samia Legal Aid Campaign is living proof of that.” He also noted that the ongoing campaign in Madaba resulted from a formal request to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry by Madaba District Executive Director, Sajidu Idrisa Mohammed and local MP Dr Joseph Kizito Mhagama.
They requested legal education for their constituents to help reduce community conflicts. “This year’s campaign in Ruvuma began on May 7 and will conclude on May 17. Although it is a 10-day campaign, we began education outreach in Madaba on May 10. The response has been overwhelming. In every village we’ve visited, people have raised concerns mainly about marriage and inheritance. No criminal complaints have been reported, but we did receive some questions regarding land disputes.”
Offering legal guidance, Linyama stressed: “To avoid conflicts, married couples must be honest, uphold integrity and protect the privacy of their marriage. Rather than rushing to police or courts, they should first seek resolution through traditional and religious channels.”
During one of the legal education sessions in Maweso Village, a resident named Mgina asked about the protection of whistleblowers, while another, Daniela Mgina, asked what rights apply when a man denies paternity and refuses to support a child. Some citizens also raised concerns about the alleged use of traditional charms (commonly referred to as limbwata) by women to control men.
Responding, State Attorney Linyama said: “The government has enacted laws to protect whistleblowers, so citizens should not fear reporting abuse or seeking conflict resolution.”
Evodia, a Community Development Officer from Madaba District Council, addressed the limbwata issue: “This is a serious concern in Matetereka. It constitutes gender-based violence. We urge local elders to investigate the matter by identifying those who provide these charms and initiate discussions.”
Another State Attorney, Fredrick Makamba from the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs, answered the question on paternity denial: “When a young man denies responsibility, he is his own first witness. DNA testing can provide clarity. Denying paternity doesn’t make the issue disappear. These young people must be taught respect. And for married couplesnremember, ‘the marriage bed does not produce illegitimate children.’ Let’s forgive, move forward and strengthen our marriages.”
It is worth noting that recognizing the importance of legal aid, Tanzania enacted the Legal Aid Act of 2017 to ensure all citizens who cannot afford legal services especially women, children, the elderly and vulnerable groups receive free legal assistance.
Mr Linyama concluded: “Let’s respect the law before, during and after elections. In 2024, Parliament made significant reforms, including transforming the National Electoral Commission into the Independent Electoral Commission.”
In a nutshell, Tanzania’s Legal Aid Campaign exemplifies the nation’s commitment to the rule of law and equitable access to justice.
By providing free legal services and education, the campaign empowers citizens to resolve disputes amicably and understand their legal rights.
As other nations look to Tanzania’s example, the campaign serves as a beacon of hope and a model for accessible justice worldwide.
