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Police new top line-up has trust of wananchi
2006-03-13 07:31:50
By Correspondent Ernest C. Ambali
On Saturday, the new Inspector General of Police (IGP) Saidi Mwema made sweeping changes in the top leadership of the Police Force in which 53 high ranking officers have been affected.
The changes included the appointment of eight new Regional Police Commanders, transferring several others to other regions as well as relieving others from the posts.
He also made other changes to the leadership of various departments in the force, all of which, according to the statement that spelled out the changes, aimed at enhancing efficiency within the important law enforcing organ.
Without even saying it, that’s what members of the public are expecting. Few would disagree that recent events in which the Police Force has occupied the centre stage warrants these changes.
We also believe that this is only the beginning, because in order to ensure success, the shake-up should descend to the lower ranks as well.
It is our hope also that those who are now in the top line-up are aware that much trust by the fourth phase administration has been placed on them and that wananchi are expecting nothing less than total commitment, efficiency, justice and fairness in the execution of their duties.
These should be the guiding principle.
Lastly, but not least important, the government should live up to the promise it made in seeing that the work conditions, working tools, emoluments and other amenities for the rank and file in the Police Force are improved.
Burundi: Conflicting parties need to settle differences
Burundian First Vice President Martin Nduwimana came to Tanzania last week with a message which all of us were eager to hear, after the country’s general elections last year which brought Pierre Nkurunziza into power.
The good message was that the country is generally peaceful and Burundian refugees should return home to help build their country.
While Nduwimana was delivering this message, however, FNL-Palipehutu Chairman Agathon Rwasa had his own version of the situation in Burundi.
Addressing a press conference in Dar es Salaam, Rwasa accused the Burundian government of lack of tolerance, saying people opposed to it were being arrested arbitrarily and killed.
That is why Burundian refugees were hesitant to return home and many others were fleeing from their homes for fear of their lives. Can Tanzania simply ignore this point?
The good thing with both conflicting sides nonetheless, is that the word peace is being mentioned, albeit in contradicting statements.
We think Tanzania needs to pursue this line of willingness to restore peace, and encourage both sides to come to a negotiating table.
If FNL says it is ready to sit down with the Burundian government to find a lasting solution, the opportunity should be fully exploited.
The security of all Burundians is in the hands of their government. It cannot avoid that responsibility.
At the same time, FNL-Palipehutu should demonstrate its commitment to peace by encouraging dialogue rather than armed confrontations.
The Burundian crisis has cost Tanzania dearly in terms of security and environmental degradation. A peaceful Burundi means peaceful Tanzania.
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