The Government of Tanzania and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation on humanitarian action across East Africa, with a focus on disaster response, community resilience, and regional stability.
Speaking during a high-level meeting in Dodoma, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Denis Londo (MP), thanked IFRC for its critical support to Tanzanian communities, especially during times of emergency and crisis.
He underscored the need for stronger collaboration with local actors such as the Tanzania Red Cross Society (TRCS) and relevant government ministries to ensure timely and effective humanitarian response.
“I wish to express our sincere appreciation to IFRC for standing with Tanzania in our most vulnerable moments,” said Londo.
“We believe in the power of partnerships, and through closer coordination with national institutions, we can deliver lifesaving support faster and more efficiently.”he added
The IFRC delegation was led by Mr. Mohamed Babiker, Head of Delegation for East Africa, based in Juba, South Sudan, accompanied by Ms. Lucy Pande, Secretary-General of the Tanzania Red Cross Society.
The talks centered on expanding humanitarian cooperation across Tanzania, Uganda, and South Sudan, as well as boosting preparedness for climate-induced disasters and health emergencies.
Mr. Babiker praised Tanzania’s stable and secure environment, noting its potential to become a regional hub for humanitarian training and innovation.
He reaffirmed IFRC’s long-term commitment to supporting Tanzania’s humanitarian agenda and called for increased engagement in IFRC’s global conferences, which shape international policy every four years.
“Tanzania has demonstrated leadership in disaster preparedness and response,” said Mr. Babiker. “We want to build on that success by enhancing local capacities and ensuring no one is left behind during crises.”
He also announced a new initiative by IFRC to empower women leaders in humanitarian sectors, revealing that Tanzanian women and others from neighboring countries have been invited to participate in upcoming leadership workshops.
The program is aimed at promoting gender-inclusive leadership in disaster management across Africa.
The meeting marks a deepening of strategic ties between Tanzania and IFRC, reflecting a shared vision of a more resilient, responsive, and inclusive humanitarian system in the region.