By Adonis Byemelwa
Dar es Salaam— The Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) has firmly refuted allegations circulating on social media that weapons were being transported from Kigoma Port to Kalemie in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The claims, which have ignited heated debates in the region, come at a time when tensions in eastern DRC remain high due to the ongoing conflict and recent sanctions imposed by the United States on Rwandan General James Kabarebe over alleged involvement in supporting M23 rebels.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday, March 1, the TPA dismissed the allegations as “false, misleading, and malicious.” The authority emphasized that the reports were designed to stoke fear and strain diplomatic ties between Tanzania and the DRC.
“The information circulating on social media and discussion groups in audio form is not credible; it is misleading, and the source of this information has shared it with malicious intent to mislead the public in Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” the TPA stated.
According to the TPA, the trucks seen at Kigoma Port were part of a routine shipment of clinker—raw material used in cement production—transported from Great Lake Cement (GLC) and destined for a factory in Rwanda.
“There is no shipment of weapons passing through Kigoma Port to Kalemie in the DRC. The trucks seen at the port are cargo trucks transporting a shipment of clinker, which is delivered to the port by ships from GLC,” the statement clarified.
The TPA further sought to debunk reports that the vessel MV Amani had been seized by Tanzanian authorities for allegedly transporting arms to M23 rebels in eastern DRC. The ship, frequently linked on social media to former DRC President Joseph Kabila, was instead carrying 14 vehicles belonging to the World Food Programme (WFP) destined for Dodoma.
Senior TPA official Abdulrahman Kaponta provided video evidence showing the vehicles at the port: 10 trucks and four smaller vehicles. “The public should be assured that no weapons have been transported through Kigoma Port. The port remains secure, and security inspections are rigorously enforced,” Kaponta asserted.
The allegations come at a particularly sensitive time, with the eastern DRC gripped by violent conflict between the Congolese army and the M23 rebel group, which Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of backing.
The U.S. government recently sanctioned Rwandan General James Kabarebe, accusing him of supporting armed groups in eastern Congo—a development that has further strained relations between Rwanda and the DRC.
Political analyst Emmanuel Mwaikambo suggested that the rumors surrounding Kigoma Port could be part of a wider disinformation campaign aimed at undermining Tanzania’s neutrality in the conflict.
“Tanzania has historically played a mediating role in regional conflicts. Any suggestion that the country is facilitating arms shipments could damage its reputation and complicate diplomatic relations,” Mwaikambo noted.
For many Congolese citizens, the mere suggestion of weapon shipments stirs painful memories of past conflicts. The ongoing violence has displaced millions and left a humanitarian crisis in its wake.
A journalist based in Goma, who requested anonymity, said the allegations highlight the deep mistrust felt by many in the region. “People are desperate for peace, but rumors like this only fuel suspicion and fear,” he said.
The TPA's swift response highlights the critical role of transparent communication in combating misinformation. However, the broader question remains: Can the public trust official denials in a region where war has been perpetuated by clandestine dealings and proxy conflicts?
“Trust is something that must be earned through consistent transparency,” said Mwaikambo. “While the TPA’s statement is commendable, it must be backed by ongoing openness and collaboration with independent observers to reassure both Tanzanians and Congolese citizens.”
As tensions persist and the shadow of war looms over the Great Lakes region, the role of Tanzania’s ports as vital trade arteries will come under increasing scrutiny.
The challenge for authorities will be to navigate the fine line between maintaining regional trade ties and safeguarding the nation’s hard-won reputation as a beacon of stability in an increasingly volatile region.