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Tanzania's New Home Affairs Minister Faces Immediate Crises

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/0 .. ome-affairs-minister-faces-immediate-crises.html
  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, February 3rd 2026 at 19:03 GMT by The Citizen
      Locales:

Dodoma, Tanzania - February 4th, 2026 - Damas Sibain Katambi officially assumed the role of Minister for Home Affairs today, inheriting a portfolio riddled with escalating crises and facing immediate scrutiny regarding his qualifications. The appointment follows the abrupt dismissal of his predecessor, Mpasha Selemin, who was relieved of duty last week amid growing public and political pressure stemming from a sharp increase in reported cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across Tanzania.

The timing of the change in leadership couldn't be more challenging. Tanzania is currently grappling with a complex web of security concerns, exacerbated by rising GBV incidents, persistent land disputes fueling local conflicts, and widespread dissatisfaction with police performance. Observers suggest that Mr. Katambi's appointment represents a significant gamble by the President, given his relative lack of experience in such a demanding and crucial ministerial position.

Reports indicate a surge in GBV cases, particularly in rapidly growing urban centers. The Ministry itself acknowledged the upward trend in a statement released last week, highlighting the severity of the situation. Activists have long argued that systemic issues - including deeply ingrained patriarchal norms, insufficient support for survivors, and inadequate legal protections - are contributing to the crisis. Ms. Hellen Kijo-Bisanga, Director of Advocacy at the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC), emphasized the urgency, stating, "The ministry has a lot of challenges, and we expect the new minister to address them immediately." The LHRC, along with other civil society organizations, are pushing for comprehensive strategies that encompass prevention, protection, and prosecution of perpetrators, alongside improved access to support services for victims.

Beyond GBV, land disputes continue to be a major source of instability in many Tanzanian regions. Competition for land resources, often complicated by historical grievances and overlapping claims, routinely erupts into conflict. Effective land management, fair dispute resolution mechanisms, and transparent land titling processes are consistently cited as critical needs. Addressing this requires not only legal reforms but also a significant investment in local capacity building and mediation efforts.

Police reform also sits high on the list of priorities. Public trust in the police force has been eroded by allegations of corruption, brutality, and inefficiency. Calls for increased accountability, improved training, and a stronger focus on community policing have been growing louder in recent years. The new minister will face significant pressure to implement meaningful changes that restore public confidence and ensure that the police effectively serve and protect all Tanzanians.

Opposition parties have voiced strong reservations about Mr. Katambi's suitability for the role. Chadema's spokesperson, John Mnyika, expressed serious concerns regarding the President's decision-making process. "We have a serious problem. The president seems to be appointing people without considering their experience and suitability," he stated. "It's not a role for someone who is learning on the job." These criticisms center around the perception that Mr. Katambi lacks the necessary experience to navigate the complexities of the Home Affairs ministry and effectively address the challenges it faces.

Furthermore, Tanzania is also navigating the complexities of hosting a growing refugee population. Increased regional instability has led to a rise in the number of refugees seeking asylum within Tanzanian borders, placing additional strain on resources and requiring a coordinated response from the Ministry and international partners. Providing adequate support to refugees while ensuring national security requires a delicate balancing act.

Despite multiple attempts, The Citizen has been unable to secure a comment from Mr. Katambi regarding his plans for the ministry. This silence has only fueled concerns among critics, who fear a lack of clear direction and a slow response to the mounting crises. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Mr. Katambi can rise to the challenge and deliver the reforms that Tanzania desperately needs. The nation will be watching closely to see if the new minister can effectively tackle these interconnected issues and usher in an era of improved safety, justice, and security for all its citizens.