By FAUSTINE KAPAMA-Judiciary, Dar es Salaam
The participants to the two-day stakeholders’ workshop on cooperation and collaboration in the implementation of laws against transnational organized crimes have agreed to work together and having a unified and coordinated approach in tackling such offenses.
Speaking at the closing session of the workshop yesterday dated September 4, 2024, the Principal of Institute of Judicial Administration (IJA) Lushoto, Hon. Dr. Paul Faustine Kihwelo said that the interconnectedness of such crimes, coupled with their far-reaching impact on our economies, legal systems and communities, necessitates a multi-faceted and coordinated approach.
“Over the past two days, we have delved into a series of critical themes, each of which underscores the need for a unified and coordinated approach to tackling transnational organized crimes. As the Chief Justice, His Lordship Prof. Ibrahim Hamis Juma highlighted during the opening ceremony, we can no longer afford to work in silos,” he told the participants.
Hon. Dr. Kihwelo, who also doubles as Justice of Court of Appeal of Tanzania, explained that one of the key takeaways from the workshop is the recognition that sharing information, harmonizing legal frameworks and conducting joint operations, including the joint investigations, are essential in combating transnational organized crimes.
“We must build on the networks we have established here and strengthen our ties as we move forward. The fight against transnational organized crimes is not a task for any single nation or institution, it is a shared responsibility that requires us to work together at national, regional and international levels,” he said.
Justice Kihwelo also pointed out another critical takeaway was the need for continuous training and capacity building. He said that the dynamic and evolving nature of transnational organized crimes requires that law enforcement officers, prosecutors and judicial officers must remain well-equipped with the latest knowledge, skills and techniques.
“This workshop has laid a strong foundation for continued collaboration and I am confident that we will all take back valuable knowledge to implement in our respective institutions, but this workshop is the beginning of the long-established relationship,” he said.
Hon. Dr. Kihwelo urged the participants to ensure that the resolutions and commitments they have made over the past two days do not remain merely on paper. He implored them to consider what they have planned during the sessions as a critical step toward translating their discussions into tangible outcomes.
Justice Kihwelo urged each participant to take responsibility for implementing the critical issues identified during the workshop in their respective jurisdictions and ensuring that they continue to collaborate on such efforts.
“The foundation we have built should serve as a launchpad for future initiatives aimed at enhancing our legal frameworks, improving institutional capacity and strengthening cross-border cooperation. Let us remain steadfast to the goals we have set and work tirelessly to realize them for the benefit of our nations and our region,” he said.
Justice Kihwelo commended the IDLO for their unwavering commitment and support, the Institute’s counterpart, the Judicial Training Institutes from Kenya and Mozambique as well as the Prosecutors Training Institute from Kenya for joining them in that endeavor.
He also expressed his heartfelt appreciation to all the participants for gladly accepting IJA’s invitation and, more so, for actively participating in this two-day workshop.
The workshop was organized by IJA in collaboration with IDLO, bringing together different stakeholders and a section of Judges of the High Court of Tanzania, notably Hon. Awamu Mbagwa, who got an opportunity present a topic.
Such workshop was also attended by the Global Deputy Director of Programmes for DLO, Mr Romualdo Mavedzenge, Judge of the Supreme Court and Director-General, Kenya Judiciary Academy, Justice Dr. Smokin Wanjala and the Supreme Court of Mozambique Justice José Norberto Carrilho.
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