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Tanzania is being recognized for its leadership in advancing peace and security across the Great Lakes Region, an area facing numerous political and security challenges.
The praise came from Johan Borgstam, the European Union’s Special Representative for the Great Lakes Region, during his visit to Dodoma on January 17, 2025.
Borgstam’s visit was part of an ongoing mission to discuss and collaborate on security and peace-building efforts with Tanzanian officials. Over the course of his visit, he held important talks with key leaders, including Minister of Defense Hon. Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Hon. Cosato Chumi, who represented Foreign Minister Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, and former President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete.
In his remarks, Borgstam acknowledged Tanzania’s continued and vital role in fostering lasting peace across the Great Lakes Region. The region, which includes countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Sudan, Central African Republic, and South Sudan, has long been affected by political instability.
“Tanzania has been at the forefront of peace efforts in the region. The European Union deeply appreciates the significant contributions made by Tanzania in addressing these challenges,” Borgstam said.
Borgstam’s visit provided an opportunity to learn from Tanzania’s experiences and approaches to security and peace. He noted that Tanzania’s consistent involvement in peace negotiations and its contributions to various operations aimed at resolving political conflicts have made the country a key player in regional peacekeeping.
“Tanzania’s expertise is invaluable. We are eager to continue collaborating with the country to support peace efforts and share insights into overcoming political instability in the region,” he added.
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Tanzanian leaders expressed their gratitude for the European Union’s ongoing support and emphasized the importance of cooperation in securing long-term peace. They highlighted that stability in the region is essential for enabling citizens to freely engage in social and economic activities, ultimately contributing to the prosperity of the region.
“We are grateful for the European Union’s contributions to peace and security in our region. With continued cooperation, we can ensure a better, more peaceful future for all,” said Minister of Defense Dr. Tax.
The Great Lakes Region consists of 12 member states: Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Congo, DRC, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. As the countries face complex challenges, joint efforts and partnerships—such as those between Tanzania and the EU—offer hope for a more peaceful and stable future.
Both Tanzania and the European Union have pledged to keep working together to find lasting solutions to the political and security issues that continue to affect the Great Lakes Region.
