By David Kisanga
Tanzania's Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
Minister,Bernard Membe
Malawians are not being singled out in the ongoing immigration crackdown
across the country and the government has strongly refuted claims that they are
being targeted based on prejudice calling the allegations unfounded
rumours.
The claim of xenophobic attacks was made on Saturday by the Malawi News which says it has reports that Malawians are in fear of their lives and that they have been victims of attacks ranging from beatings to rapes and arson.
“What is going on is legal search and deportation of undocumented immigrants…but no one is being singled out…the operation is peaceful and it observes all human rights,” explains the government spokesperson, Assah Mwambene.
He was speaking to reporters yesterday in Dar es Salaam at a press conference called to address the claims which he described as ‘serious allegations’ and said the authors are seeking to taint the government and cause friction between the two countries whose relation he described as long lasting and good.
“…we will pursue the matter along the proper legal channels until the matter is resolved…” he said.
Malawi’s Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Ephraim Mganda Chiume, has called the allegations an exaggeration of the on going crack down on undocumented immigrants.“Our ambassador Flossie [Gomile] Chidyaonga has already briefed us on the situation,” Chiume is quoted as saying.
Chiume is said to have taken the matter up with his Tanzanian counterpartFrom Bernard Membe as both are attending the SADC Troika Summit.
“Our ambassador says the Tanzanian government has been very cooperative and is providing security to Malawians there,” he is quoted saying and also that the government of Malawi has asked Malawians who are interested in living in Tanzania to comply with the country’s immigration as well as other laws.
Dated September 14, 2013 Malawi’s Daily Times bared the headline: “Malawians face xenophobia in Tanzania.”
It read in part: “Reminiscent of the recent South African xenophobic attacks, Malawians living in Tanzania are being targeted.
The government has reassured Malawians in the country not to fear and to continue with their daily activities as usual urging them to report any such occurrence to proper authorities for legal action against the perpetrators.
Meanwhile from Moshi, reports say at least five Tanzanians suspected of transporting and aiding illegal immigrants have been charged.
Stern caution has also been issued to employers against employing undocumented immigrants while citizens have been warned that if they are found guilty of aiding, harbouring and/or transporting illegal immigrants they will be subjected to strict legal measures including imprisonment and confiscation of their property.
The announcement was made by Senior Immigration Officer for Holili, Fredrick Kiondo over the weekend at the second immigration sensitisation seminar held specifically for journalists in Moshi.
He explained that based on success levels of the first two seminars (the first was held for teachers and students) the third will cover tourism stakeholders, hotel owners, the transport sector and related private firms.
“We shall deal strictly with illegal immigrants together with their employers who do not ask for work permits or other necessary documents,” Kiondo warned.
The illegal immigrants are from a range of countries including Ethiopia, Somalia, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbouring Kenyan.
So far, 471 illegal immigrants have been arrested and charged between January and July this year in Kilimanjaro Region alone.
The number has been confirmed by the Director of immigration in the region, Johanes Msumule which he says is the result of sensitisation campaigns carried out in the region.
“We have arrested and deported illegal immigrants …dozens other are in our custody and a few have paid the due fines…” he said.
The claim of xenophobic attacks was made on Saturday by the Malawi News which says it has reports that Malawians are in fear of their lives and that they have been victims of attacks ranging from beatings to rapes and arson.
“What is going on is legal search and deportation of undocumented immigrants…but no one is being singled out…the operation is peaceful and it observes all human rights,” explains the government spokesperson, Assah Mwambene.
He was speaking to reporters yesterday in Dar es Salaam at a press conference called to address the claims which he described as ‘serious allegations’ and said the authors are seeking to taint the government and cause friction between the two countries whose relation he described as long lasting and good.
“…we will pursue the matter along the proper legal channels until the matter is resolved…” he said.
Malawi’s Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Ephraim Mganda Chiume, has called the allegations an exaggeration of the on going crack down on undocumented immigrants.“Our ambassador Flossie [Gomile] Chidyaonga has already briefed us on the situation,” Chiume is quoted as saying.
Chiume is said to have taken the matter up with his Tanzanian counterpartFrom Bernard Membe as both are attending the SADC Troika Summit.
“Our ambassador says the Tanzanian government has been very cooperative and is providing security to Malawians there,” he is quoted saying and also that the government of Malawi has asked Malawians who are interested in living in Tanzania to comply with the country’s immigration as well as other laws.
Dated September 14, 2013 Malawi’s Daily Times bared the headline: “Malawians face xenophobia in Tanzania.”
It read in part: “Reminiscent of the recent South African xenophobic attacks, Malawians living in Tanzania are being targeted.
The government has reassured Malawians in the country not to fear and to continue with their daily activities as usual urging them to report any such occurrence to proper authorities for legal action against the perpetrators.
Meanwhile from Moshi, reports say at least five Tanzanians suspected of transporting and aiding illegal immigrants have been charged.
Stern caution has also been issued to employers against employing undocumented immigrants while citizens have been warned that if they are found guilty of aiding, harbouring and/or transporting illegal immigrants they will be subjected to strict legal measures including imprisonment and confiscation of their property.
The announcement was made by Senior Immigration Officer for Holili, Fredrick Kiondo over the weekend at the second immigration sensitisation seminar held specifically for journalists in Moshi.
He explained that based on success levels of the first two seminars (the first was held for teachers and students) the third will cover tourism stakeholders, hotel owners, the transport sector and related private firms.
“We shall deal strictly with illegal immigrants together with their employers who do not ask for work permits or other necessary documents,” Kiondo warned.
The illegal immigrants are from a range of countries including Ethiopia, Somalia, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbouring Kenyan.
So far, 471 illegal immigrants have been arrested and charged between January and July this year in Kilimanjaro Region alone.
The number has been confirmed by the Director of immigration in the region, Johanes Msumule which he says is the result of sensitisation campaigns carried out in the region.
“We have arrested and deported illegal immigrants …dozens other are in our custody and a few have paid the due fines…” he said.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN
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