TAARIFA KWA VYOMBO VYA HABARI

THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA

DIRECTORATE OF PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS

Telephone: 255-22-2114512, 2116898 E-mail:  ikulumawasiliano@yahoo.com               press@ikulu.go.tz              Fax: 255-22-2113425

PRESIDENT’S OFFICE,       THE STATE HOUSE,               P.O. BOX 9120,   DAR ES SALAAM. Tanzania.

TAARIFA KWA VYOMBO VYA HABARI

Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania, Mheshimiwa Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete amewasili nchini Kenya leo, Jumanne, 11 Septemba , 2012,  kuanza Ziara Rasmi ya Kiserikali (State Visit) ya siku tatu ikiwa ni ziara yake ya kwanza rasmi nchini humo ingawa amefanya ziara kadhaa za kikazi nchini Kenya.

Kwenye Uwanja wa Ndege wa Kimataifa wa Jomo Kenyatta mjini Nairobi, Rais Kikwete ambaye amefuatana na mkewe, Mama Salma Kikwete, amepokewa na mwenyeji wake, Rais Mwai E. Kibaki na kwa mbwembwe zote za kiprotokali zinazoambatana na ziara rasmi za kiserikali.

Baadaye mchana, Rais amekwenda Ikulu ya Kenya ambako ametia saini kitabu cha wageni, akafanya mazungumzo ya faragha na Rais Mwai Kibaki kabla ya kufanyika kwa Mazungumzo Rasmi ya Kiserikali kati ya nchi hizo mbili majirani na wanachama wa Jumuia ya Afrika Mashariki (EAC).

Baada ya mazungumzo hayo, Rais Kikwete na ujumbe wake amekwenda kwenye Chuo Kikuu cha Kenyatta ambako umepokewa na Waziri wa Elimu ya Juu, Mheshimiwa Margaret Kamar, Mkuu wa Chuo hicho, Jaji Mstaafu Onesmus Mutungi na Makamu Mkuu wa Chuo, Profesa Olive Mugendi.

Kwenye chuo hicho ambacho Desemba 8, mwaka 2008, kilimtunuku Rais Kikwete Shahada ya Uzamivu ya Heshima, amefungua rasmi Jengo la Shule ya Ukarimu na Utalii ya Chuo hicho.

Akizungumza wakati wa ufunguzi wa Shule hiyo, Rais Kikwete amesema kuwa utalii ni sekta muhimu sana katika chumi za nchi za Afrika Mashariki na ambayo mchango wake unagusa maisha ya maelfu kwa maelfu ya wananchi wa nchi za ukanda huo.

Rais pia amesema kuwa nchi hizo za Afrika Mashariki sasa zimekuwa ni eneo lenye mvuto mkubwa katika nyanja ya utalii ambao unaweza kuwaingizia wananchi na mataifa ya Afrika Mashariki mapato zaidi kama changamoto zinazoikabili sekta ya utalii kwa sasa zitashughulikiwa ipasavyo na kwa pamoja na nchi hizo.

Miongoni mwa changamoto ambazo Rais Kikwete amezitaja ni ukosefu wa miundombinu ya kutosha kufanikisha kwa namna bora zaidi sekta ya utalii, ukosefu wa juhudi za pamoja kuitangaza Afrika Mashariki kama eneo muhimu la utalii, na umuhimu wa kuboresha kiwango cha usalama wa watalii.

Aidha, Rais Kikwete amezielezea changamoto nyingine kuwa ni pamoja na umuhimu wa kuwepo na viza ya pamoja ya utalii kwa nchi zote za Afrika Mashariki, kuwepo kwa safari za ndege za kutosha kutoka kwenye mataifa makubwa yanayozalisha watalii kwa wingi kuja Afrika Mashariki na umuhimu wa kupungua kwa nauli za ndege za kuja Afrika Mashariki.

Leo jioni, Rais Kikwete anatembelea Taasisi ya Utatifi wa Kilimo ya Kenya (KARI) ambako anatarajiwa kupokelewa na Waziri wa Kilimo wa Kenya, Mheshimiwa Dr. Sally J. Kosgei na usiku atakuwa mgeni rasmi kwenye Dhifa ya Kitaifa ambayo itaandaliwa na mwenyeji wake, Rais Mwai Kibaki.

Kesho, Rais Kikwete ataweka shada la maua kwenye Kaburi la Mwanzilishi wa Taifa la Kenya, Hayati Jomo Kenyatta, kwenye Viwanja vya Bunge la Kenya na kutembelea Kiwanda cha Maziwa cha Brookside Diary kwenye Barabara ya Thika.

Kwa mujibu wa ratiba ya ziara yake, Rais Kikwete atatembelea Chuo cha Taifa cha Ulinzi cha Kenya (National Defence College) kilichoko Karen, Nairobi, ambako atapokelewa na Waziri wa Nchi wa Ulinzi, Mheshimiwa Yusuf Haji na Mkuu wa Majeshi ya Ulinzi ya Kenya, Jenerali Julius Karangi.

Baadaye, Rais Kikwete atakwenda kutembelea Kituo cha Magonjwa ya Moyo na Kansa kwenye Hospitali ya Chuo Kikuu cha Aga Khan ambako atapokelewa na Waziri wa Huduma za Matibabu, Mheshimiwa Anyang Nyong’o.

Baadaye jioni, Rais Kikwete ambaye anaongozana na kundi kubwa la Wafanya Biashara wa Tanzania atashiriki chakula cha jioni ambacho ameandaliwa na Jumuiya ya Wafanya Biashara ya Kenya.

Imetolewa na:

Kurugenzi ya Mawasiliano ya Rais,

Ikulu.

Dar es Salaam.

11 Septemba, 2012

President Kikwete officially launches the National Defence College (NDC)

H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania and Commander in-Chief of the Armed Forces, gives his opening remarks during the inauguration ceremony of the National Defence College (NDC) and the opening of its first course.  Left to the President is General Davis Mwamunyange, Chief of Defence Forces and Major General Charles Makakala, Commandant of the National Defence College.  Other is Hon. Mahadhi Juma Maalim (MP) (1st left- seating), Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation.

SPEECH BY H.E. DR. JAKAYA MRISHO KIKWETE, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA AND COMMANDER IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES, AT THE INUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE NATIONAL DEFENCE COLLEGE (NDC)

AND THE OPENING OF IT’S FIRST COURSE,

10 SEPTEMBER, 2012 DAR ES SALAAM   

Honourable Shamsi Vuai Nahodha, Minister of Defence and National Service;

Honourable Dr. Emmanuel Nchimbi, Minister for Home Affairs;

Honourable Mahadhi Juma Maalim, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation;

Ambassador Ombeni Sefue, Chief Secretary;

Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, Ambassador Lu Youqing;

General Davis Mwamunyange, Chief of Defence Forces;

Major General Charles Makakala, Commandant of the National Defense College;

Members of the Faculty;                            

Course participants,

Generals Serving and Retired;

Invited Guests;                     

Ladies and Gentlemen;

I thank you Honorable Minister and Chief of Defense Forces for your kind invitation but more importantly, for associating me with this two historic and auspicious events.  Indeed, the inauguration of the National Defense College of Tanzania and the launching of its first course ever are landmark events in the history of TPDF and our country.  That is why I consider my presence here today as a great honor and a privilege. 

Ladies and Gentlemen;

The idea of establishing the NDC is a longstanding dream, ambition and vision of our military and government.  It is as old as the Tanzania Peoples Defence Forces.  From the time of its establishment in 1964, the leaders of TPDF and the successive leaders of our country envisioned the need of having a National Defense College to cater for strategic defense and security interests of Tanzania.  So, those of us gathered here are witnessing the realization of that dream and the fulfillment of that noble ambition.  One may rightly ask a question why now?  The answer is simple, now is the most appropriate time to have this college.  The Swahili saying “mtoto hatembei siku ya kwanza” (a child does not walk the first day it is born) very aptly illustrates this event today.

Ladies and Gentlemen;

Obviously, at the time of its founding the priority of our military, with regards to training, could not have been the establishment of a national defence college.  It was, rather, the establishment of training institutions to cater for the immediate needs of availability of officers and men to replace colonial and mutinous’ soldiers.   Also, it was to build the critical capacity to defend the country with regards to military personnel and equipment

It is heartwarming indeed, to note the success made so far.  There are several good military schools to train officers and men in the various skills required by the various branches of our military.  There are good schools to train recruits, serving soldiers, Non-Commissioned Officers, officer cadets and serving officers of all ranks and professions.  As we all know, Officer Cadets courses as well as Platoon Commanders’, Company Commanders and Command and Staff Courses are being offered at the Tanzania Military Academy at Monduli near Arusha. 

Before moving to the current premises, in 1971 the Officer Cadets Training Schools was at Kurasini, which now, is the seat of the Police College.  In 1972 the OCS moved to Monduli sharing premises with the then 15 Battalion before moving to its present premises after the completion of a magnificent academy built with the support of our Chinese friends.

Ladies and Gentlemen;

Not too long from now Command and Staff Courses to train senior commanders and staff officers will be moved to own premises from the Tanzania Military Academy.  The construction of a Command and Staff College at Duluti is nearing completion.  You will agree with me that after building sizeable training capacity in all fields, it is quite opportune now to take up the matter of establishment of the National Defence College.  Fortunately, our Chinese friends again, accepted our request for support in the construction of this college.  As a result we now have the college whose opening we are celebrating this day. 

Allow me, ladies and gentlemen, to use this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency Hu Jintao, President of the Peoples’ Republic of China, the Peoples Liberation Army and people of the Peoples Republic of China for this generous support.  Indeed, it is through this assistance that Tanzania has been able to realize her dream.  I am not sure when would we have been able to build this college if we did not get this assistance.

I would like also to use this opportunity to extend special thanks to the contractors and consultant for a job very well done.  Honestly, the buildings are magnificent and facilities up to speed with the current time.  It is making our National Defence College to be a world class institute.  I trust that, the leadership of the college will ensure highest possible levels of maintenance.  Please, heed the Swahili adage of “Kitunze Kidumu and Kitunze Kikutunze”  I expect nothing less from you.    I know you will not falter in this responsibility.

Honorable Minister;

Chief of Defense Forces;

Ladies and Gentlemen;                                                                                     

The role and importance of the NDC needs no overemphasizing. First and foremost, it is the highest training institution of our military.  We did not have it in the past as such we used to send our officers to similar colleges in other countries.  Now that we have our own college here at home that deficit has been resolved.  We will be able to train more people compared to the very few we used to send abroad.  After all it depended upon the number of places offered to us by the colleges.  We used to be offered one or two places and by very few countries.   However, we should continue to send some of our officers abroad in the spirit of maintaining friendship and cooperation with other nations.  Also, it is worthwhile to have exchange programmes of this nature with similar institutions in the world.  It is always useful to learn from the good examples and experience of others.

Ladies and Gentlemen; 

National Defence Colleges worldwide have similar objectives and philosophies.  They are there to advance strategic defence and security interests of their respective nations.  The standards and practice they use in designing the curriculum of the courses taught are international in character.  Of course, there is a conspicuous national bias in the contents of the curriculum because of the fact that its promoting purpose is national interests.  We must aspire and actually do the same.  We should also open the doors to students from other countries as it is done elsewhere.  That is why the purview of the courses should go beyond our national borders and cover regional and global dimension of various issues.

Ladies and Gentlemen; 

At National Defence Colleges besides military personnel, public servants are eligible to attend courses.  This is the case because advancing strategic national defence and security interests is not only the domain of the military but a cross cutting matter involving many players in the nation.  The NDC, therefore, provides an excellent forum where the minds of senior military officers and public servants converge to widen their horizons of knowledge and thinking and develop synergies with regard to promoting national security.  We expect our NDC to facilitate the development of a coordinated vision and unity of purpose in addressing national security issues and strategic challenges facing our country.  I am glad you have started on a current footing.

It is important, therefore, that the NDC must ensure that there is a highly qualified teaching staff and course participants are provided with the necessary tools to enable them learn and acquire the knowledge and skills expected of them. 

Ladies and Gentlemen;

The NDC must aspire to become a regional centre of excellence for security and strategic studies. We have succeeded in this regard with our Officer Cadet training at the Tanzania Military Academy.  The Academy has earned a good name and reputation in the region and beyond.  As a result many officers from the national armies of a number of countries in our region and beyond have been trained there.  I believe we can do the same at this college as well.  Please aspire to maintain and advance the good traditions. 

It is critical that this College produces graduates who will earn international recognition.  As mentioned earlier, NDC education is global in characters, so the graduates from this college must be of world class.

As you all know, the military is an international profession, as such we must always aspire to produce graduates who can perform any where on this planet.   We are doing it at TMA, we can do it here as well.

What is required of you is to put our act together.  Develop a clear vision and action plan with time bound benchmarks.  I promise you continued government and my personal support in the implementation of that vision.  With regard to teaching staff do not hesitate to source from outside if you cannot get one from Tanzania.

Forge working relations and cooperation with other NDCs in the region and beyond will be useful in this regard.   Develop teachers and students exchange programme.  It will be useful in many ways.  I am glad, to learn that you have been involving people from the public and private sectors, including the retired national leaders to share their experience with the students at the college.  That is a good idea.  I promise that on retirement, I will gladly volunteer to join the college in that endeavour.  I am not sure about joining teaching staff on a regular basis.

Distinguished Course participants;

           I congratulate you for being selected to be the first alumni of the National Defence College.  It is an opportunity to be proud of.  I implore you to make good use of this rare privilege.  I am informed that, as it is typical of NDCs, you have been drawn from the defense and security establishments, foreign service and other areas of public service which have a direct bearing on the national security.   Therefore, as pioneers of the course, I challenge you to set the highest possible standards to enable the College to start with a strong footing.  Help the college in building its reputation as a centre of excellence in the region. I know you can do it.  All that is required of you is to work hard with devotion and dedication throughout the Course. 

Honorable Minister;

Chief of Defense Forces;

Commandant of the National Defense College;

Invited Guests;                     

Ladies and Gentlemen;

Before concluding, I want to assure you that the Government will continue to support the long time vision of having an army that is capable of effectively defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the United Republic of Tanzania.  A military outfit that is capable of safeguarding the lives and properties of the people of this country.  We will continue to work together with the leadership of our defence forces both at the Ministry and the TPDF Headquarters for the realization of this vision.  Work is well in progress, to enhance the fire power of our military and the skills of its officers and men.  With regard to the latter we will continue to invest in building new training facilities and improving existing ones.  The establishment of the NDC is a typical example of the translation of this vision in practice.  I know it is a daunting task but we are determined and committed to rise to the challenge.  I have no doubt in my mind that we will succeed.  The political will does exist in plenty and we have dedicated people both at the Ministry of Defence and National Service and at the Defense Forces Headquarters, therefore, nothing can stop us from achieving our dream.  Fortunately, also we have many friends in the world like the Chinese people who are always ready to extend their helping hand to us.  We shall not fail.

Finally, it is now my singular honor and pleasure to declare that the National Defense College of Tanzania and its premiere Course is officially inaugurated. I wish you every success.

Thank you for listening.  

The new Belgian Ambassador presents Letters of Credence to the President

The new designate Ambassador of Belgium in Tanzania, H.E. Koenraad Adam paying his respects to the Belgian National Anthem, just upon his arrival today at the State House in Dar es Salaam.  The designate Ambassador is in the State House to present his Letters of Credence to President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete.   Others in the photo are Mr. Lumbila Fyataga (3rd right), Deputy Private Secretary to the President and Mr. Andy Mwandembwa (1st right), Acting Chief Protocol in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Brass Band playing the Belgian National Anthem.

The new designate Belgian Ambassador to the United Republic of Tanzania, Koenraad Adam, signs visitor's book prior to his presentation of his Letters of Credence before President Kikwete.  

President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete introduces the new Belgian Ambassador Koenraad Adam to Ambassador Dora Msechu, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation and Director of the Department of Europe and Americas in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  Standing left to Ambassador Msechu is Hon. Mahadhi Juma Maalim (MP) (3rd left), Deputy Minister for Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Christopher Mvula (left), Acting Director of Department of Middle East at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  Ambassador Koenraad had just presented his Letters of Credence before the President.

President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete in talks with the new Belgian Ambassador to Tanzania, Ambassador Koenraad Adam today at the State House, after the Ambassador presented his Letters of Credence.  

  

 Hon. Mahadhi Juma Maalim (MP) (left), Deputy Minister for Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dora Msechu, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation and Director of the Department of Europe and Americas in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Christopher Mvula (right), Acting Director of Department of Middle East at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

Ambassador Liberata Mulamula (2nd right), Senior Advisor to the President (Diplomatic Affairs), listens to President Kikwete while in talks with the new Belgian Ambassador to Tanzania, Ambassador Koenraad Adam (both not in the photo).  Others are Mr. Hangi Mgaka (1st right), Foreign Service Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Salvatore Rweyemamu (seating behind), Director of Communication - President's Office, and Mr. Christopher Mvula, Acting Director of the Department of Middle East in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The new Belgian Ambassador presents 

Letter of Credence to the President

By TAGIE DAISY MWAKAWAGO 

 The new Belgian Ambassador to the United Republic of Tanzania, Ambassador Koenraad Adam, today presented Letters of Credence to H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, where he expressed his Government’s continuing cooperation with Tanzania.

During the short ceremony, the President took time to thank the Government of Belgium for its continuing support in various projects, particularly the fight for human rights and eradication of the Malaria disease.

The President also shared the country’s need to build its infrastructures, particularly railways so that transportation could be easier between the African countries, such as Tanzania, Congo, Burundi and Rwanda.

On his part, the Ambassador thanked President Kikwete for receiving him.  He assured the President of his Government’s continuing cooperation, particularly in opening new dialogues in various projects to further strengthening the cooperation and develop the country. 

End. 

All photos by Tagie Daisy Mwakawago

President Kikwete receives Letters of Credence from Qatar Ambassador

H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania in talks with the new Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United Republic of Tanzania, Ambassador Jassim Mohamed Mubarak Abdullah Darwish.  Ambassador Darwish had just presented Letters of Credence, an occasion which recognizes him to be the first ever Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United Republic of Tanzania.  Other in the photo is Mr. Mussaab Al-Fehaid, Foreign Service Officer at the Qatar Embassy. 

Hon. Mahadhi Juma Maalim (MP) (left), Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Mr. Christopher Mvula (center), Acting Director of the Department of Middle East in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ambassador Dora Msechu (right), Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation and Director of the Department of Europe and Americas in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete in talks with the new Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United Republic of Tanzania, Ambassador Jassim Mohamed Mubarak Abdullah Darwish. 

Ambassador Liberata Mulamula (2nd right), Senior Advisor to the President (Diplomatic Affairs), listens to President Kikwete while in talks with Ambassador Darwish of Qatar to Tanzania (both not in the photo).  Others are Mr. Hangi Mgaka (1st right), Desk officer for Qatar in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Salvatore Rweyemamu (seating behind), Director of Communication - President's Office, and Ambassador Dora Msechu.

Ambassador Jassim Mohamed Mubarak Abdullah Darwish (2nd left), Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United Republic of Tanzania paying his respects to his National Anthem being played by the Brass Band from the Tanzania People's Defence Force.

The Brass Band playing the Qatar National Anthem.

President Kikwete receives Letters of Credence

from Qatar Ambassador

By TAGIE DAISY MWAKAWAGO

H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete today received Letters of Credence from Ambassador Jassim Mohamed Mubarak Abdullah Darwish, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United Republic of Tanzania in the State House, in Dar es Salaam. 

Ambassador Darwish is the first ever Ambassador to represent the State of Qatar to the United Republic of Tanzania. 

During their discussions, President Kikwete said Tanzania has been blessed with the discovery of natural gas and oil, and that he had hoped the Government of Qatar will assist in developing the resources to maximize production.

President Kikwete said Qatar has been successful in this area of energy sector, and therefore he expects their expertise contribution will economically develop the country. 

On the aspect of tourism, the Qatar Ambassador assured the President his Government will assist in bringing the investors to invest in tourism, including in the construction of tourist hotels within the Regions. 

Qatar’s economy is very strong, due to the abundance of oil and natural gas reserves.  Oil and Gas production and allied activities represent the most important industrial sector in Qatar.  Oil and natural gas revenues have enabled Qatar to be one of the world’s fastest growing and highest per capita income countries. 

 END. 

All photos by Tagie Daisy Mwakawago 
 

Membe talks to Wananchi on Lake Nyasa border dispute

 Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP) talks to Wananchi of Mbamba Bay Ward in Ruvuma Region.

Membe talks to Wananchi

on Lake Nyasa border dispute

By TAGIE DAISY MWAKAWAGO

A Government delegation led by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP) was in Ruvuma Region for a two-day mission aimed at briefing the locals in the Lake Nyasa area on the ongoing negotiations over the border dispute with Malawi.

The delegation that also included members of the Tanzania People’s Defense Forces (TPDF), the President’s Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development and the Ministry of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports visited and talked to Wananchi in Mbamba Bay, Liuli, Lituhi Wards in the New Nyasa District and Songea District.

On arrival at Ruiko Airport in Songea yesterday, the delegation was received by the Ruvuma Regional Commissioner, Hon. Said Mwambungu and other senior regional officials.  Hon. Membe thanked the Regional Commissioner for the warm reception and hospitality accorded to himself and his delegation. 

Introducing members of his delegations, the Minister said “we are here for two objectives, brief the Wananchi on the ongoing bilateral talks, get the oral tradition and local knowledge from elders around Lake Nyasa,” assuring Wananchi security and normalcy in their daily activities. 

Tanzania and Malawi have been in border dispute over the Lake Nyasa since the attainment of each country’s independence.  Malawi claims right to the whole Lake Nyasa, while Tanzania claims ownership to half of the Lake.

“We stand firm that the border runs in the middle of the Lake and that even if we go to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), we will be ready to justify that,” said the Minister. 

The Minister said that the Government has been working diligently on resolving the dispute diplomatically, and if all other efforts fail, then the ICJ will likely be the final course to take.     

The mission started in Mbamba Bay Ward, where the Minister spoke with the elders.  One of them was Mr. Gideon Liganga Ndembeka (85), who articulated a detailed history of Lake Nyasa, stating that the frontier or borderline of the two countries was and still is in the middle of the Lake. 

He demonstrated that fact with the help of historical books written by the British Colonial Government, whereby the frontier between Tanzania and Malawi was located in the middle.  Mr. Ndembeka provided the said books to Hon. Membe, to assist the Government in building its case.  

Mr. Ndembeka (above) is a fourth generation after the Germany rule and descendant of the first councilor of Tanganyika origin. Behind is Ambassador Irene Kasyanju, Director for Legal Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation.  

Moreover, one of the prominent fishermen in Mbamba Bay strongly raised an observation of the fact that the frontier is in the middle and not otherwise.  This is supported by regular practice of Ship Captains of either side who observe the change of flag rule, when entering each others’ waters.

“This change of flags always takes place at the median point of the Lake Nyasa where the water demarcates itself in a form of a ridge or edge shape,” he said, adding that they usually call it an upper point. 

This point was supported by other elders, who asserted that when entering the Tanzanian waters at the upper point, Malawian ships will lower and replace their flags with Tanzania flags, an exercise which Tanzanian ships do when entering Malawian waters at the upper point.   

On his visit to Liuli Ward, Hon. Membe met with various elders aging between 60 to 98 years of age, who most of them expressed their agony over the Lake Nyasa border dispute.  One of them, Ms. Mariam Chiundu said “this is not a man-made Lake, and therefore one cannot claim sovereignty over it.   It is a natural feature from God, and it ought to be shared.”  Her argument was centered at the fact that God is not discriminative.

During the mission, Hon. Membe also stopped by Lituhi Ward and Songea District where the sentiments were overwhelmingly similar to those expressed in other visited Wards.  However, in Lituhi, the elders unanimously said that River Songwe naturally demarcates the River into two halves, and all the way to the Shire River towards the Mozambique side.  This observation supports the claim provided by the elders in Liuli and Mbamba Bay Wards that the upper point marks the median line of the Lake between the two countries.

For Songea District, where the two-day tour ended, the Minister was told about the school, church, cemeteries, farm yards and a village which were all submerged in the Lake as a result of drifting and expansion of the water mass towards the land. To their dismay, that would mean that if the border was set in the shore at 1890 where could it be today? 

In his closing statement, Hon. Membe assured the Wananchi of Songea District, and all who are living around the Lake Nyasa area, of their security and properties, and that the Government wants them to continue with their daily activities without any worries.

End.

  

Hon. Membe on a tour mission in Mbamba Bay and Liuli Wards in Ruvuma Region

Beautiful view of Lake Nyasa in Mbamba Bay Ward. 

Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP), Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, washes his hands with Lake Nyasa water in Mbamba Bay Ward area, in Ruvuma Region. 

Hon. Membe greets one of the residents living in Mbamba Bay, offshore Lake Nyasa.

Hon. Membe (holding books) in a group photo with elders of Mbamba Bay Ward in Ruvuma Region. Other in the photo is the Ruvuma Regional Commissioner, Hon. Said Mwambungu(on his left) and Mr. Ernest Kahindi (left of RC), District Commissioner of New Nyasa District.  Behind is the Lake Nyasa.

Some of the Mbamba Bay elders.  Others in the photo includes Ambassador Irene Kasyanju (1st left on 2nd line), Director for Legal Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operatio, Ambassador Dr. Mohammed Maundi (2nd left on 2nd line), Director for Mozambique-Tanzania Centre for Foreign Relations, Mr. John M. Haule, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation and Mr. Assah Mwambene (standing behind Amb. Kasyanju), Director of Information and Government Spokesperson, Ministry of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports.

Hon. Membe speaks with elders in Liuli Ward, during his two-day tour mission in Ruvuma Region.  Liuli Ward is also located in the area of Lake Nyasa.  Others in the photo are Capt. John Damiano Komba (MP - Mbinga West) (1st left), the Ruvuma Regional Commissioner, Hon. Said Mwambungu(2nd left), Mr. John M. Haule (1st right), Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation and Mr. Ernest Kahindi (2nd right), District Commissioner of New Nyasa District.

Liuli Ward elders listening to Hon. Membe. 

All Photos by Tagie Daisy Mwakawago and Mr. Assah Mwambene