VP orders crackdown on land dispute inciters

RUVUMA: VICE-PRESIDENT Deogratius Ndejembi has said efforts to find a lasting solution to farmer-pastoralist conflicts must go hand in hand with immediate action against those inciting the disputes.

The government is pursuing a lasting solution through a national task force involving relevant ministries, alongside measures to identify and bring those responsible for inciting the conflicts to justice.

The broader government response involves coordination among sectors responsible for land, local government, livestock, agriculture, water, security and legal affairs.

As part of the immediate measures, Mr Ndejembi ordered the launch of a special operation to identify and arrest individuals inciting conflicts between farmers and pastoralists in Tunduru District, Ruvuma Region.

Speaking yesterday at a public rally in Tunduru, the VP also directed authorities to brief him on the measures being taken to address the conflicts before the end of his visit to the region.

He said the sixth phase government has heard public concerns over the disputes, which have claimed the lives of civilians, leaders and security officers, adding that the time had come for decisive action to restore peace.

“The government under President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan has heard your concerns over these conflicts, which have resulted in the loss of lives, including those of civilians, leaders and security officers. The time has come to take decisive action to restore peace,” said Mr Ndejembi.

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He directed the Ruvuma Regional Commissioner, the Tunduru District Commissioner and the respective Security and Defence Committees to ensure that anyone found inciting the conflicts faces legal action, regardless of their position, status or political affiliation.

The VP also raised concerns over allegations that some village leaders were involved in selling land and allowing pastoralists to settle in areas not designated for livestock keeping, a practice contributing to recurring disputes between farmers and pastoralists.

He stressed that the use of village land must comply with the law and involve local communities, rather than being determined by a few individuals pursuing personal interests.

“The use of village land must comply with the law and involve public participation, rather than being based on decisions made by a few individuals with personal interests,” he said.

Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Ayoub Mahmoud said the government has received the directives and that the Police Force will work with other authorities to ensure anyone found responsible for inciting the conflicts was dealt with in accordance with the law.

He said approximately 12 people had lost their lives as a result of the conflicts, while more than 20 police units were continuing operations to remove pastoralists keeping livestock in areas not designated for grazing under approved land-use plans.

In a separate development, the VP directed authorities to strengthen supervision of the construction of the 220-kilovolt electricity transmission line from Songea through Tunduru and Masasi to Mahumbika.

He also ordered the replacement of the project manager, citing dissatisfaction with the pace of implementation.

“The government has already paid the contractor more than 42bn/-, and there is no justification for further delays when residents of Tunduru, as well as those in Lindi and Mtwara regions, need a reliable electricity supply to support economic activities,” said Mr Ndejembi.

On other development priorities, Mr Ndejembi directed authorities to follow up on Tunduru District’s request for the construction of a modern market.

Responding to the matter, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government), Prof Riziki Shemdoe, said preparations for the project had reached the stage of submitting a proposal to the Planning Commission, with construction expected to begin in the 2027/28 financial year.

He added that procedures to address the request to divide Tunduru District Council into two councils were ongoing following the completion of an initial assessment.