Good morning! The Chanzo is here with a rundown of major news stories reported in Tanzania on September 17, 2024.
Samia defends police amid growing safety concerns, taking a jab at the diplomatic corps: ‘We’ll take instructions from nobody on how to run our country’
President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Tuesday told envoys representing their country in Tanzania that she doesn’t need their instructions on how to run the country as the Head of State defended law enforcement authorities amidst safety concerns over growing alleged political kidnapping in the East African nation.
President Samia displayed apparent indignation towards the envoys’ decision to join Tanzanians in condemning the alleged murder of a senior opposition figure, Ali Mohamed Kibao, and related incidents, which the Head of State interpreted as meddling in the country’s internal affairs and amounted to issuing directives on how the country should be governed.
Sixteen countries, including members of the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland, issued statements on September 10, 2024, condemning the alleged murder of the senior CHADEMA official, calling for an immediate, thorough and independent investigation into it and other related incidents.
Mr Kibao’s body was found dead on September 8, 2024, in the Ununio neighbourhood of Dar es Salaam, almost two days after people alleged to be police officers stopped a bus in which he was travelling to Tanga and left with him. His death sparked public outrage as it happened when several other CHADEMA members and officials were missing in circumstances the party has described as “political kidnapping.”
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Transcript: President Samia responds to the murder of opposition leader Ali Kibao and reacts to envoys’ statements
The transcript below is an excerpt from President Samia’s speech delivered today, September 17, 2024, during the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Tanzania Police at the Police academy in Moshi, Kilimanjaro.
A few days ago, my fellow citizens, our country faced a tragedy with the killing of one of the political leaders of the CHADEMA party. This death shocked the minds and bodies of us, the people of Tanzania, and stirred strong emotions, especially among the followers of the party. Surprisingly, this death has also evoked strong reactions from representatives of some foreign nations who represent their countries here with us.
I want to join them and say that, for any reason, these killings are unacceptable. That is why the government condemned it and called for a swift investigation, as is done globally in such cases, the government comes out, condemns it, and demands that its security agencies investigate to understand what happened.
Read the full transcript here
Tanzania Police exhibition of using water cannon and tear gas on peaceful protesters sparks outrage online
Various social media users in the country have expressed their displeasure with a brief demonstration by the Police Force, showcasing how the force is prepared to deal with anyone who takes to the streets to demand their rights.
While sharing their views, stakeholders noted that the demonstration did not reflect the core duty of the force, which is to ensure the protection and safety of citizens. The showcase took place on September 17, 2024, at the grounds of the Tanzania Police Academy, located in Moshi, Kilimanjaro region, during the climax of the 60th-anniversary celebrations of the Tanzania Police Force, where President Samia Suluhu Hassan participated as the guest of honor.
The 15-minute demonstration began with riot police vehicles entering the field, carrying officers armed with various weapons. Next to them, individuals acting as protesters were seen holding banners and chairs, chanting loudly, “We want our rights, we want our rights,” indicating their demands.
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Three Members of Family Brutally Killed in Dodoma
Three members of a family residing in Segu Juu Street in Dodoma City have died after being beaten and set on fire by unknown individuals. The mother of the family was severely injured, and one child survived the attack.
Speaking to reporters on September 17, 2024, Acting Dodoma Regional Police Commander, SACP Anania Amo, said that, so far, no individuals or groups have been arrested in connection with the incident. He explained that the event happened on September 16, 2024, at around 3 PM in the afternoon in Segu Bwawani Street, Nala Ward, Dodoma City.
Amo added that investigations into the cause of the incident are still ongoing, and intensive efforts are being made to identify the perpetrators of the killings.
“The Dodoma Regional Police Force is continuing its investigation into the murder of three individuals, who were found dead in their bedroom, with their bodies burnt,” Amo said.
He further explained that the deceased include two children, Milka Robert, 12, and Fatuma Mohamed, 20, as well as a housemaid named Micky who is about 16 years old. The children’s mother sustained multiple injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment, with police confirming that her condition is stable.
This incident has sparked fear among the residents of the area, while the police continue their manhunt to ensure the perpetrators are arrested and brought to justice. On September 6, 2024, another murder case was reported in the city where three suspects were arrested for the murder of a mother and child, with the police explaining that the victims had been struck with a blunt object.
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