By Mast Reporter
MINISTRY of Defence Permanent Secretary Maambo Hamaundu has called for stronger collaboration between Zambia and Tanzania in tackling threats of transnational crimes.
Speaking during the official opening of the 3rd Session of the Zambia – Tanzania Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) on Defence and Security in Livingstone yesterday, Hamaundu urged the defence and security institutions of the two countries to come up with effective strategies to fight transnational crimes which pose a threat to peace and security in the region.
Hamaundu has called on the two neighbouring countries to tackle the growing threat of human trafficking and smuggling on their common border.
“You will agree with me that smuggling has continued to rob us of the much-needed revenue. In addition, both Zambia and Tanzania have continued to be used as transit routes for human traffickers, thereby compromising the security of our countries. It is, therefore, imperative that our defence and security institutions devise strategies to address these and other threats to peace and stability as we can only prosper economically if we are stable,” said Hamaundu.
He also urged the delegates to utilize the opportunity to strengthen the historical bilateral relations between the two countries.
“I am pleased to note that our two countries have sustained the cordial relations in keeping up with the aspirations of our founding fathers. Therefore, as we begin the officials’ meeting, I wish to appeal to you all to deliberate freely so that we can devise better strategies to enable us address our mutual security concerns,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tanzania’s Ministry of Defence and National Service Permanent Secretary Dr. Faragi Mnyepe said the two countries must work closely to stamp out common crimes across the border.
Dr Mnyepe said transnational crimes need coordinated efforts from both countries.
“My brother Mr Hamaundu am happy you mentioned human trafficking and smuggling. These are crimes we need to fight together as Tanzania and Zambia through a well-coordinated way,” said Dr Mnyepe.
He said the historical ties between Zambia and Tanzania were laid by the founding fathers Dr Kenneth Kaunda and his Tanzanian counterpart Julius Nyerere who set up several common facilities for the two countries.
Dr. Faragi cited the Tanzania- Zambia Railways Authority (TAZARA) and the Tanzania-Zambia Mafuta Pipelines Limited (TAZAMA) as some of the companies set up by the founding fathers to benefit the two countries.
“For many generations to come, people in our countries will continue to benefit from TAZARA and TAZAMA because of what our founding fathers set up,” he said.
The 3rd session of the Zambia – Tanzania JPC on Defence and Security will culminate into the Ministerial Meeting on Wednesday when the Defence Ministers of Zambia and Tanzania join the meeting.
