Fishermen, traders, and local leaders are calling for stronger collaboration between both nations to address systemic bribery, unclear maritime boundaries, and economic hardships affecting communities.
Security authorities are facing growing pressure to curb illegal activities and cross-border crime. Tanzanian security forces, have intensified patrols and introduced stricter scrutiny of fishing licenses.
“We urge all business owners to carry proof of purchase and tax receipts for goods transported across the border,” stated Shauri Salim, Border Patrol Officer.
Officials warn that traffickers are disguising themselves as traders and fishermen, prompting a crackdown on unregistered operations.
Meanwhile, flooding and infrastructure failures continue to disrupt economic activity in areas such as Mashenzini, Pongwe, and Magagani, where residents rely on makeshift river crossings.
Traders report frequent harassment and bribery demands by unscrupulous individuals controlling access to the crossings. “A gang of youths stop us daily demanding money to cross,” said Safina Mwanahamisi, a trader from Magagani.
Community leaders are calling on the Kenyan government to construct a permanent bridge to prevent extortion and support safe movement between villages.
At the heart of the ongoing issues are also allegations of systemic bribery and discrimination at informal border points on roads leading to Moa, Mayomboni via Vanga and Horohoro.
Concerns over law enforcement failures and corruption are mounting with locals accusing immigration officials of unfair treatment of cross-border traders.
“These routes are riddled with corruption. Officers harass travelers, demanding bribes instead of enforcing the law,” said Swaleh Juma, a community leader in Vanga.
In response to the security concerns, the area has seen increased police patrols aimed at restoring order. Vanga Area Chief Abdallah Kama linked this to efforts to curb cross-border crime.
“We received intelligence that indicate that suspects linked to a violent robbery in Kenya have exploited poorly monitored crossings to flee into neighboring Tanzania.” He said.
The border has long been a hotspot for informal trade and smuggling.
He urged all citizens to carry the required identification documents to avoid inconveniences with officers on duty. “Their priority is to monitor these routes and to bring suspects to book.
All locals and authorities from both countries must work together to successfully close the loopholes being exploited by criminals,” said Abdallah Kama.
Affected communities living along the border have emphasized on the need for long lasting solutions such as infrastructure development and job creation as the key in securing peace and economic stability.
Community involvement on security issues is becoming even more relevant as such insecurity and trade restrictions impact livelihoods of many.
In a bid to foster peace and cooperation along the border communities, We World has facilitated crucial discussions between the locals, leaders and authorities in Vanga and Jasini.
The meetings, aim at easing tensions and promoting sustainable solutions.
The second phase of discussions took place in Vanga where leaders emphasized the need for joint-collective efforts to resolve disputes peacefully.
