In
May 2022, Ministers Dr. Dorothy Gwajima and Hamadi Masauni visited Dar es
Salaam to review the Panya Road situation and local authorities' actions.
Photo: File
By
Adonis Byemelwa
In
response to a recent surge in reports of child abductions and disappearances,
the Ministry of Home Affairs in Tanzania announced a comprehensive five-point
strategy on July 28, 2024. The initiative, aimed at bolstering child
protection, involves a coordinated effort across several government ministries,
including the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Constitution, the
Ministry of Community Development, and the President’s Office for Regional
Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG). This strategic approach seeks to
address the growing public concern over the safety of children in various
regions of the country.
Key
aspects of the strategy include enhancing police patrols in areas identified as
high-risk for child abductions. The authorities have committed to prioritizing
tips and reports related to child protection, ensuring that each piece of
information is treated with the utmost urgency.
In addition, the pace of investigations into
cases of child disappearance and abuse is set to increase, with a special
emphasis on fast-tracking these cases through the justice system. This
comprehensive response was outlined during a press briefing by Home Affairs
Minister Hamad Masauni, who highlighted the government's serious stance on the
issue.
"Recently,
various incidents have been reported in the media and on social networks
regarding criminal acts associated with disappearances and kidnappings,
especially of young children," Minister Masauni stated.
"These
incidents have caused great alarm among citizens in some regions, including
Dodoma, Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Kagera. The government, led by Dr. Samia
Suluhu Hassan, does not agree with and will not tolerate such criminal acts
committed against some of our children."
Minister
Masauni acknowledged that some perpetrators have already been apprehended,
reflecting the government's swift response to these disturbing events.
However, he also cautioned the public about the spread of misinformation, which has sometimes exacerbated the situation by causing undue panic. There have been instances where outdated or incorrect information was circulated, misleading the public and adding to the climate of fear.
The
gravity of the situation is underlined by recent incidents that have been
widely reported. Between June and July 2024, at least ten cases of missing
children were reported across the country, involving children aged between two
and fourteen. Many of these cases have remained unresolved, with families
anxiously awaiting news about their missing children. The frequency of these
reports, particularly on social media, has heightened anxiety among parents and
guardians, prompting them to take extraordinary measures to protect their
children.
A
notable incident occurred on July 17, 2024, when a group of concerned parents
and guardians stormed Mbande Primary School in Temeke following rumors that the
bloodied uniforms of a missing child, six-year-old Malick Hashim, had been
found on the school premises. The police later clarified that these claims were
false, highlighting the dangers of spreading unverified information.
In
response to the rising concern, President Samia Suluhu Hassan addressed
cultural and traditional leaders, urging them to play a more active role in
preventing child abductions. She called for community participation in
dispelling myths and misinformation, particularly those suggesting that these
incidents were linked to the upcoming elections.
"Another
thing, go and raise awareness. Right now, when you question these incidents, people
say it's because of the election, that people want to be elected,"
President Samia stated. "Go and tell the politicians, if the assertion is
true, that you cannot achieve political positions that way."
The
government's strategy emphasizes the importance of a united approach, involving
not just law enforcement but also community leaders and citizens in
safeguarding children. This collaborative effort aims to create a safer
environment and to reassure the public that the government is taking concrete steps
to address the issue.
As
part of the ongoing efforts, the police, and other authorities are encouraged
to maintain open communication with the public, providing regular updates on
the progress of investigations and actions taken. This transparency is seen as
crucial in building trust and ensuring that the public remains informed and
engaged in efforts to protect children.
Overall,
the Ministry of Home Affairs' announcement reflects a strong commitment to
tackling the issue of child abductions and disappearances in Tanzania. By
implementing a multi-faceted strategy that includes increased law enforcement
presence, faster judicial processes, and community involvement, the government
aims to curb these incidents and restore a sense of safety among its citizens.
The active participation of all sectors of society will be key in achieving
these goals and ensuring that children can live free from fear and harm.