Tanzanian Prime Minister wants border control tightened
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (PANA) – Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has directed the country’s security organs to tighten control of people and goods at the Tanzania-Kenya border.
Concerned about the security situation at the common border, Premier Majaliwa said on Saturday that he was aware of the porous entry point at the north-eastern town of Holili in Kilimanjaro Region.
He said the border was being used illegally for importation of goods and people entering the country, which is detrimental to the country’s security.
“Immigration officers and members of our forces stationed at the border must use all possible techniques to detect any crime, which is or about to be committed and take swift action,” said the Tanzanian Premier during his tour of Holili border post.
Majaliwa asked security forces and immigration officers in both Tanzania and Kenya to assess the situation and set up a joint system that would ensure legal entry of people and goods. The border is said to have at least 260 illegal entry points.
He directed those tasked with the duty to inspect goods to be diligent and honest and ensure that illegal goods such as arms were not smuggled into either country.
The premier further asked the people living near the border to volunteer information on all improper movements.
Both Tanzanians and Kenyans have in the past been complaining about ill-treatment by immigration and revenue authority officers at the two countries’ common border posts.
-0- PANA EBM/MA 24Feb2019
