BY FAUSTINE KAPAMA
Judiciary Dar
THE Chief Justice of Tanzania, His Lordship Prof. Ibrahim Hamis Juma, has called for global partnership, collective collaborations and cooperation among states to combat transnational organized crimes in Africa, in particular, Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique.
The Chief Justice of Tanzania, His Lordship Prof. Ibrahim Hamis Juma speaking when opening stakeholders’ workshop on cooperation and collaboration in the implementation of laws against transnational organized crimes in Dar es Salaam today dated September 3, 2024.
His Lordship Prof. Juma made such an appeal today dated September 3, 2024 at White Sands Hotel in Dar es Salaam when opening stakeholders’ workshop on cooperation and collaboration in the implementation of laws against transnational organized crimes.
“We need cooperation, we need collaboration and we cannot stand alone against transnational organized crimes,” the said at the two-day workshop, which is being attended by several other judicial officers, including Judges of the High Court of Tanzania and Chief Registrar, Hon. Eva Kiaki Nkya.
The Chief Justice of Tanzania, His Lordship Prof. Ibrahim Hamis Juma speaking when opening stakeholders’ workshop on cooperation and collaboration in the implementation of laws against transnational organized crimes in Dar es Salaam today dated September 3, 2024.
The Chief Justice explained that international cooperation and collaboration are very essential to fight against transnational organized crimes, such as human trafficking, drug trade, illegal fishing, piracy and armed robbery, as well as arms trafficking.
He pointed out that the adverse impact of transnational organized crime is evident in countries such as Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique, as each face significant challenges from such nature of crimes due to geographical locations, social economic conditions and political contexts.
A section of participants to the workshop (two pictures above) following closely the opening proceedings.
“We cannot win the fight against transnational organized crime, if we dig deep and hide behind our national sovereignty,” the Chief Justice told the attentive participants at the workshop.
His Lordship Prof. Juma explained that national crime fighting stakeholders could not afford to work in silos without actively sharing information or collaborating against transnational organized crimes. 
A section of participants to the workshop (two pictures above) following closely the opening proceedings.The Chief Justice pointed out further that effective counter action against transnational crimes requires national regional global cooperation and collaboration.
“We work individually in silos. We don't normally even when within our national states, you could see stakeholders don't cooperate, they don't share information but they share a lot of blames if anything goes wrong. I think workshops like this is supposed to break down this,” he said.
Judge of the Supreme Court and Director-General, Kenya Judiciary Academy, Justice Dr. Smokin Wanjala speaking to participants of the workshop (not in the picture).
His Lordship Prof. Juma pointed out that such workshop is a unique opportunity to build robust or networks share valuable knowledge and develop practical solutions and strengthen collective capacity to combat transnational organized crimes.
“By engaging fully in this workshop, we can work together to address the challenges caused by the transnational organized crimes and improve our overall effectiveness and in the future, we will continue to work together under the spirit of cooperation and collaboration,” he said.
Tanzania’s Court of Appeal Justice and Principal of Institute of Judicial Administration (IJA) Lushoto, Dr. Paul Faustine Kihwelo giving some remarks before welcoming the Chief Justice to open the workshop.
In his remarks to welcome the Chief Justice to open the workshop, Tanzania’s Court of Appeal Justice and Principal of Institute of Judicial Administration (IJA) Lushoto, Dr. Paul Faustine Kihwelo said that transnational organized crimes intertwine various forms of crimes that transcend beyond geographical boarders, creating a complex ecosystem of international crimes.
For that matter, he said, the fight against transnational organized crimes is not one that can be won by any single institution or nation and it requires the concerted efforts of all stakeholders, across borders and disciplines.
“This workshop embodies the very essence of what is needed—a multi-stakeholder approach where experiences are shared, strategies are aligned and cooperation is deepened. I am very optimistic that at the end of the day we will achieve the desired objectives of this workshop,” Justice Kihwelo said.
The Global Deputy Director of Programmes for the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), Mr Romualdo Mavedzenge speaking during the occasion.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Global Deputy Director of Programmes for the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), Mr Romualdo Mavedzenge, explained that the growing complexity and scope of transnational organized crimes demands a unified response that transcends national boundaries and respective institutional mandates.
“This workshop provides an invaluable opportunity to strengthen our collective efforts in combating transnational organized crimes by fostering deeper cooperation and collaboration among all justice stakeholders,” he said. 
The High Table led by Chief Justice of Tanzania, His Lordship Prof. Ibrahim Hamis Juma (centre). Others from left are Deputy Director of Programmes for the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), Mr Romualdo Mavedzenge, Judge of the Supreme Court and Director-General, Kenya Judiciary Academy, Justice Dr. Smokin Wanjala, Supreme Court of Mozambique Justice José Norberto Carrilh and Tanzania’s Court of Appeal Justice and Principal of Institute of Judicial Administration (IJA) Lushoto, Dr. Paul Faustine Kihwelo.
Mr Mavedzenge added, “As the International Development Law Organization, we are truly grateful for the time and effort you have made to attend the Workshop. I would like to recognize that your expertise and dedication are truly invaluable,” he said.
On his part, Judge of the Supreme Court and Director-General, Kenya Judiciary Academy, Justice Dr. Smokin Wanjala, said that transnational crimes challenge not only national security but also economic stability and social fabric as a region. 
The High Table led by Chief Justice of Tanzania, His Lordship Prof. Ibrahim Hamis Juma (centre seated) in a group picture with Judges of the High Court who are attending the workshop in question.
He pointed out that the fight against transnational organized crimes is not one that can be won overnight, nor is it one that can be fought in isolation.
“It requires a unified and relentless effort, grounded in cooperation and collaboration. It demands that we continuously adapt our legal and operational frameworks to keep pace with the evolving nature of these crimes,” Justice Wanjala said.
The Supreme Court of Mozambique Justice José Norberto Carrilho speaking during the opening session.
The High Table led by Chief Justice of Tanzania, His Lordship Prof. Ibrahim Hamis Juma (centre seated) in a group picture with a section of participants attending the workshop (two pictures below and two pictures below).
The Supreme Court of Mozambique Justice José Norberto Carrilho pointed out that criminal syndicates now operate across borders with unprecedented sophistication, leveraging technological advancements and capitalizing on the interconnectedness of our global economy.
“This evolution necessitates an equally advanced and coordinated response from our law enforcement agencies and judicial systems,” he said.