Tanzania’s Minister for Home Affairs, Paschal Katambi Patrobass, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to regional peace and security following his participation in a high-level virtual meeting on the control of small arms and light weapons.
The meeting, convened under the Regional Centre on Small Arms, brought together security ministers from the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa region to assess the current security landscape and address the growing challenge of illicit arms proliferation.
Speaking after the seventh ministerial meeting of RECSA member states, Mr Katambi said discussions focused on strengthening joint efforts to curb the illegal circulation and misuse of small arms, which continue to pose a threat to stability across the region.
Participating countries included Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Republic of the Congo and Central African Republic.
He said Tanzania is implementing strategic measures to strengthen arms control systems, including tighter regulation of firearm imports, stricter ownership requirements, regular inspections, and enhanced monitoring of firearm use. The government is also investing in digital systems to improve tracking and oversight.
“Tanzania remains a pillar of peace and stability in the region. We are working closely with our partners through joint operations and intelligence-sharing to reduce the spread of illegal arms,” he said.
Mr Katambi also called on licensed firearm holders to comply with legal requirements, including the timely renewal of licences. Under national regulations, firearm licences for pistols, shotguns and rifles must be renewed annually between July 1 and September 30.
He further urged individuals in possession of illegal firearms to surrender them to authorities or provide confidential information, stressing that public cooperation is essential in safeguarding national security and maintaining peace.
