Donald Lukele
Former ACT Wazalendo leader, Zitto Kabwe, has raised concerns over the restriction preventing approximately 162,000 residents of Kanonge and Katumba camps in Nsimbo District, Katavi Region, from meeting with opposition politicians.
Zitto claimed that these individuals, who are recognized as Tanzanian citizens, are unjustly prohibited from engaging with opposition political parties. He emphasized his shock at this situation, noting that these residents have full citizenship rights. Zitto called on the government to instruct the Minister of Home Affairs to remove the settlement leaders responsible, alleging that their actions are illegal.
During a public meeting in Ugalla Ward, Nsimbo Constituency, Zitto explained that ACT Wazalendo leaders in Katavi had notified the police about their intention to hold public meetings in Kanonge Camp on August 3, 2023. However, they were informed that the head of the settlement stated, “politics is not allowed in this area.”
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“Halmashauri ya Wilaya Nsimbo ilipokea zaidi ya wakimbizi 200,000 mwaka 1972 kutoka Burundi waliopelekwa katika kambi za Katumba na Kanonge, wilayani humo. Mwaka 2008 hadi 2010, serikali iliamua kutoa uraia kwa wakimbizi 162,000 waliokubaliwa kuwa raia wa Tanzania. Hawa wana haki zote zinazompasa raia wa Tanzania ikiwamo kuchagua na kuchaguliwa na ili haya yafanyike lazima wanasiasa tufike huko,” Zitto alisema.
He added, “Residents recognized as Tanzanians by law in these camps have equal rights as other Tanzanians. Thus, preventing public meetings in these areas denies them their constitutional rights.”
Zitto pointed out that in 2020, a meeting was held in Katumba Camp to campaign for Philip Mallack as Nsimbo MP, and residents participated in the voting process. He questioned the current restrictions on political meetings in the area, suggesting that such tactics are used by competitors to intimidate residents. “These are tactics by our competitors to intimidate the residents. I tell them to let people have the freedom to choose who they want; we should not coerce them, as their citizenship is not a favor to any party,” Zitto asserted.
In his speech, Zitto also criticized the government’s decision through the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) and the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) to expand conservation areas without considering the growing population. He said this decision has led to increased conflicts between citizens and the government in various parts of the country, including Nsimbo Constituency.
ACT Wazalendo’s spokesperson for the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs, Mbarala Maharagande, urged residents of the ward to turn out and vote, as well as run for various positions on the party’s ticket in the 2024 local government elections. “Come out and elect good leaders who will care for you and will not demand bribes for services,” Maharagande stated.
When contacted by a media outlet, Ministry of Home Affairs spokesperson Christina Mwangosi promised a clarification, which was later provided by the Director of Refugee Services, Sudi Mwakibasi. Mwakibasi stated that the action taken against Zitto in the area was lawful, as the prohibition of political activities in refugee areas is based on national and regional laws governed by the African Union and the 1951 Refugee Convention, which restrict political activities within these areas.
He explained that refugees, while in the host country, are not permitted to engage in certain local activities, including politics, as stipulated by these legal frameworks. Additionally, Mwakibasi noted that according to national policy, refugees must reside in designated areas where they must abide by the law, including not participating in political matters and elections.
For any gathering of more than five people in these areas, permission from the settlement head is required.
“Therefore, what happened there (Zitto being blocked), the settlement head was enforcing the law, as this has always be
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