Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba has directed law enforcement agencies to take stern legal action against people involved in mob justice, following deadly clashes between farmers and pastoralists in Tunduru District, Ruvuma Region.
He has also directed village and ward leaders to enforce land-use plans when allocating or selling land, warning that poor land management could fuel disputes between farmers and livestock keepers.
Dr Nchemba issued the directives on Monday, October 26, 2026, while meeting Ruvuma Region MPs in Dodoma, following recent violence that resulted in deaths and other damage.
He said the government would not tolerate lawlessness, insisting that no individual or group had the right to take the law into their own hands, regardless of the circumstances.
The Prime Minister said such actions violated the Constitution and the country's laws, directing citizens to report disputes and criminal incidents to relevant authorities instead of resorting to violence.
He urged security organs to take appropriate action against anyone found responsible, while calling on communities to cooperate with investigators to ensure that offenders are brought to justice.
Dr Nchemba also extended his condolences to residents of Tunduru and other Tanzanians affected by the violence, stressing that peace and security were essential for communities to continue with their economic activities.
On land-related conflicts, he said local leaders had a responsibility to ensure that land allocation and distribution followed approved land-use plans.
He said proper land management was critical in preventing disputes, particularly in areas where farming and livestock keeping compete for access to land.
The directive puts local government leaders at the centre of efforts to address recurring farmer-pastoralist tensions, with proper land allocation and enforcement of existing regulations expected to help reduce conflicts.
Dr Nchemba said the government was continuing to take measures to ensure that land was used in accordance with established plans and guidelines, allowing citizens to pursue their livelihoods without threatening the rights and interests of others.
He further urged Tanzanians to protect national unity and peace, saying differences arising from economic activities and land use should be resolved through established legal procedures.
Ruvuma MPs thanked the government for its response to the conflicts and called for stronger supervision of land use and continued efforts to maintain peace and stability in their constituencies.