Tanzania pledges to tighten control over importation and use of firearms

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA has pledged to tighten control over the importation and use of firearms as regional ministers stepped up efforts to curb the proliferation of illicit small arms across the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa.

Minister for Home Affairs, Patrobass Katambi, made the commitment when participating virtually in a meeting of the Regional Ministerial Sub-Committee on Small Arms Control (RESCA), which brought together security ministers to assess the region’s security situation and emerging threats, particularly the illegal spread and use of small arms and light weapons.

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The meeting drew participation from Tanzania, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Djibouti, with member states deliberating on joint strategies to strengthen arms control and combat illicit trafficking.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Katambi said the government is implementing strategic measures to enhance national security, including strengthening systems for monitoring arms imports, reviewing firearm ownership responsibilities, conducting inspections and assessing applicants’ intent.

Additionally, he said that Tanzania will also boost the use of digital and technological systems to improve arms control and safeguard security both nationally and across the region.