Tanzania’s Struggle Against Organized Crime: Transparency Concerns and Corruption Woes

Challenges in Combating Organized Crime

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania - As the East African nation grapples with the challenges of organized crime, concerns about transparency and corruption are growing. A significant proportion of anti-organized crime legislation has been enacted through executive orders, raising questions about accountability.

The judicial system is underfunded, with judges appointed by the president and a lack of autonomy in budgeting.
Corruption is prevalent, although a government crackdown has led to some success in reducing corrupt practices.

Prison Overcrowding and Police Corruption

Despite efforts to reduce overcrowding in prisons, thousands of prisoners remain behind bars. The police force is viewed as the most corrupt institution in the country, with reports of bribery, mistreatment, and torture of detainees commonplace.

Thousands of prisoners remain behind bars, despite efforts to reduce overcrowding.
The police force is plagued by corruption, including bribery, mistreatment, and torture of detainees.

Human Trafficking and Smuggling

Tanzania’s porous borders have made it a hub for human trafficking and smuggling, with hundreds of unmanned entry points along the Indian Ocean coastline used to ferry individuals from Somalia through Mombasa. The country is also a key transit point for illegally trafficked products.

Hundreds of unmanned entry points along the Indian Ocean coastline are used for human trafficking and smuggling.
Tanzania is a key transit point for illegally trafficked products, including drugs and weapons.

Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing

In addition to these challenges, Tanzania is at risk of money laundering and terrorism financing due to its lack of effective policies and inadequate information sharing between law enforcement agencies.

The country lacks effective policies to combat money laundering and terrorism financing.
Inadequate information sharing between law enforcement agencies hinders efforts to prevent these crimes.

Economic Hardship Fuels Organized Crime

The economic hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has fueled organized crime, with many citizens turning to illegal activities such as poaching and drug trafficking to make ends meet. The informal economy accounts for more than half of Tanzania’s GDP, further complicating efforts to combat organized crime.

Economic hardship has led to an increase in organized crime, including poaching and drug trafficking.
The informal economy contributes significantly to Tanzania’s GDP, making it harder to combat organized crime.

Role of Civil Society

Civil society groups are playing a crucial role in supporting victims of organized crime, including human trafficking and drug addiction. However, the government has been criticized for its lack of support for these organizations and its failure to provide adequate protection for witnesses and victims.

Civil society groups are crucial in providing support to victims of organized crime.
The government’s lack of support for these organizations hinders efforts to combat organized crime.

Challenges for Journalists

Despite some positive steps towards promoting freedom of speech and media development, challenges remain for journalists in Tanzania. Two newspapers were temporarily banned for publishing information that went against the government’s narrative, highlighting concerns about civil society space in the country.

Journalists face challenges in reporting on organized crime due to restrictions on press freedom.
The temporary banning of two newspapers highlights concerns about civil society space in Tanzania.

Conclusion

The Tanzanian government has promised to promote transparency and accountability, but much work remains to be done to combat organized crime and corruption. As the country continues to grapple with these challenges, it is essential that the government works closely with civil society groups and international organizations to ensure effective cooperation and coordination.

The government must prioritize transparency and accountability to effectively combat organized crime.
Collaboration between the government, civil society, and international organizations is crucial in combating organized crime.