TANZANIA: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan on Saturday called on tribal chiefs to take a proactive role in protecting children by leveraging Tanzania’s rich customs and traditions.
In her address to the chiefs at the Chamwino State House in Dodoma, President Samia raised concern on the increase in incidents of child abductions, disappearances, organ harvesting and the mutilation of individuals with albinism.
The Head of State said the wave of crime often places the burden of blame on the government and security agencies, insisting on the need for concerted grassroots action against the menace.
President Samia called upon 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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Cases of child abduction, disappearances, organ harvesting and the mutilation of individuals with albinism have been occurring in communities as we approach election period, with people associating the incidents with struggle for elective positions in various bodies by some few greedy politicians.
Those who commit these offences must understand that Tanzanians, in their totality, vehemently condemn what they do simply because first, this is not the Tanzania we want, secondly, it is not our culture, thirdly, it is against human rights, fourth, it is against the teachings of God, and fifth, it is against the laws of the land.
The criminals must also take note that these incidents are disgraceful and tarnish our nation’s reputation bearing in mind that Tanzania holds a great reputation in our region and globally and these reports damage that country’s image.
To borrow President Samia’s remarks, politicians ought to understand that political positions are not attained through violence or organ harvesting.
We all know that authority is granted by God, and that those who take lives or body parts thinking they can easily acquire authority are just pushed by superstitious beliefs.
Individuals who commit these crimes are people we live with in the communities.
They are not ghosts, meaning that if concerted efforts are made to unmask them, we can easily address the menace.
We are acutely aware that the government and security agencies are working hard in efforts to address the problem, but the government and the security agencies alone cannot succeed in this war, they need our support.
We, as Tanzanians, have the duty to make this country a safer place to live for children.
Those who commit these crimes should be aware that no stone will be left unturned until all perpetrators are brought to justice.
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