Joseph Isangura
The Kigoma Region in western Tanzania is preparing for a serious crackdown on criminal activity, following a powerful statement from Regional Commissioner Ambassador Simon Sirro.
Speaking from Dodoma, the country’s capital, on July 17, 2025, Sirro assured Tanzanians that the days of harassment and insecurity in Kigoma are numbered.
Addressing the media shortly after attending the national launch of Dira ya Taifa ya Maendeleo 2050 at the Jakaya Kikwete Convention Centre, Sirro did not mince his words.
“They tried to provoke us—now it’s time to respond,” he said. “Let Tanzanians wait and see the results. Our security forces are prepared, well-coordinated, and ready. The people of Kigoma don’t condone crime, and together, we will confront this challenge.”
Located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika and bordering both Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kigoma is a critical gateway for trade—but also a vulnerable point for cross-border crimes such as smuggling, human trafficking, and illegal fishing.
According to recent security reports, some remote parts of the region have experienced a spike in incidents ranging from theft to more organised forms of criminal harassment, particularly targeting smallholder farmers, business owners, and transporters.
Sirro, who previously served as the Inspector General of Police, is known for his tough stance on crime. He emphasized that the new phase of security enforcement would be grounded in collaboration with local communities.
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“This is not just about deploying police—it’s about working with the people. They are the eyes and ears on the ground,” he explained.
As part of a renewed security agenda, the region will activate:
- Community policing initiatives (read more)
- Mobile patrol units in remote villages
- Local intelligence networks supported by traditional leaders and ward executive officers
- Enhanced collaboration with immigration services and border control units
The Governor’s remarks are in line with broader national efforts under Tanzania’s Vision 2050, a long-term development framework that aims to build peace, justice, and prosperity across the country. Among its goals is to enhance public safety and ensure all citizens feel secure in their homes and workplaces.
Analysts say Sirro’s proactive stance sends a strong message—not only to criminals, but also to residents and investors who depend on Kigoma’s stability for growth.
“Leadership must be visible,” said a local community leader in Kasulu, one of Kigoma’s key towns. “With Sirro, people know something will be done.”
Kigoma’s security has implications beyond its borders. The region is home to major infrastructure projects, including the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), planned ports on Lake Tanganyika, and growing commercial ties with DR Congo.
Any threat to safety could disrupt these emerging trade routes. By clamping down early, the regional leadership aims to maintain a stable environment for both development and diplomacy.
