MWE Correspondent
The government of Tanzania has announced a special two-month window allowing citizens to hand over illegally owned firearms without facing prosecution.
The nationwide amnesty, which runs from September 1 to October 31, 2025, is part of efforts to strengthen community safety and reduce the circulation of unlicensed weapons.
The Ministry of Home Affairs said the measure was introduced under Government Notice No. 537, giving individuals a chance to return firearms to the authorities voluntarily. According to police spokesperson David Misime, the initiative is intended to encourage cooperation between the public and law enforcement in building a safer society.
Anyone holding unregistered or improperly transferred firearms can surrender them at local police stations, ward offices, or Shehia offices across the country between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. every day during the amnesty period. Families in possession of firearms left behind by deceased relatives, as well as private security firms that failed to follow legal transfer procedures, are also urged to take advantage of the program.
Officials made it clear that the leniency ends once the deadline passes. From November 1, 2025, anyone found in possession of illegal arms will be prosecuted under the Arms and Ammunition Act, which regulates firearm ownership in Tanzania.
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This campaign is not happening in isolation. It ties into wider regional and global efforts to curb armed violence. Tanzania is participating in the African Union’s Silencing the Guns initiative, which designates every September as “Africa Amnesty Month” to encourage the voluntary surrender of small arms and light weapons. The initiative also reflects Tanzania’s alignment with international frameworks promoted by the United Nations to address the dangers posed by illicit firearms.
Police authorities also reminded licensed gun owners that they remain responsible for safe storage and adherence to the law. Failure to comply with licensing conditions, they warned, could lead to confiscation or loss of firearm rights.
The two-month amnesty signals a broader message: while the government is offering a chance for citizens to do the right thing, it also intends to enforce stricter accountability once the window closes.
By blending community cooperation with firm legal measures, Tanzania aims to reduce the risks associated with illegal weapons and reinforce its commitment to peace and security. For many citizens, this may be the best opportunity to avoid criminal liability and contribute to a safer future.
