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Minister of Agriculture, Hussein Bashe, issued directives on December 29, 2024, aimed at addressing the ongoing issue of tobacco cartels.
His instructions include measures to ensure the return of tobacco sacks worth over 1.4 billion Tanzanian Shillings to farmers. These sacks were seized during a government operation in the Tabora and Shinyanga regions, where they had been unlawfully resold to farmers instead of being returned to their rightful owners.
The seized sacks, which belong to farmers, were discovered to have been sold back to them by unauthorized individuals, creating a situation of exploitation within the tobacco farming industry. The government’s operation has thus far resulted in the arrest of 15 suspects who are believed to be involved in the illegal sale of these sacks.
Minister Bashe has directed that the arrested individuals be treated as economic criminals, noting the severity of the crime in relation to the broader economy. “Those involved in the unlawful sale of these goods are to be handled as economic saboteurs,” Bashe stated in a press briefing.
Additionally, the minister instructed the suspension of leaders of the primary cooperative societies (Amcos) and cooperative union officials who are implicated in the illegal activities. These suspensions are meant to allow a thorough investigation into their roles in the matter. The government is focused on ensuring that these corrupt practices are eradicated to prevent further harm to the farming community and the nation’s agricultural industry.
“The illegal reselling of these sacks is not only an act of economic sabotage but also an exploitation of farmers who rely on fair practices,” Minister Bashe continued. “We will take strict action against anyone found guilty of engaging in such unlawful activities.”
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In the meantime, government agencies are conducting further investigations into the depth of the cartel’s operations. Law enforcement is working in close coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture to trace the full extent of the reselling network and to determine the identities of all individuals involved.
The tobacco sector is a significant contributor to Tanzania’s economy, particularly in rural areas, and these corrupt activities threaten to undermine the hard work of many farmers. This crackdown is seen as part of the government’s broader efforts to eliminate corruption and restore fairness to agricultural trade.
The case has garnered attention from various stakeholders, including farmers’ unions and advocacy groups, who have applauded the government’s swift actions. However, many are calling for more long-term solutions to combat the systemic issues that allow such cartels to thrive in the agricultural sector.
The Ministry of Agriculture remains firm in its stance that any individuals found to be part of this illegal operation will face the full force of the law. The government’s goal is clear: to protect the integrity of the agricultural industry and ensure that the resources meant for farmers are not misappropriated by corrupt individuals.
