Somalia, Tanzania Strengthen Military Ties in Mogadishu Talks

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In: Tanzania Foreign Investment News
Somalia, Tanzania Strengthen Military Ties in Mogadishu Talks

Mogadishu, Somalia — In a significant display of regional solidarity, the Somali National Army Chief, General Odawa Yusuf Rage, on Monday warmly received Tanzania’s Deputy Chief of Defense Forces, General Salum Haji Othman, in the Somali capital, Mogadishu.

The meeting, held amidst heightened security measures, focused on deepening military ties and addressing mutual security challenges. Discussions revolved around counter-terrorism strategies, maritime security, and the enhancement of regional cooperation frameworks in East Africa.

“The visit of General Othman is not just a testament to our strong bilateral relations but also an affirmation of our commitment to peace and stability in the region,” General Rage stated during a joint press conference.

General Othman, for his part, underscored Tanzania’s readiness to support Somalia in its fight against insurgency and in building a robust national defense system. “Our shared history and common threats necessitate that we stand together stronger,” he remarked, highlighting the ongoing efforts in training and capacity building of the Somali forces under various international programs.

The two leaders also delved into the broader implications of their military cooperation, including contributions to peacekeeping missions and the potential for joint military exercises. They acknowledged the role of such collaborations in fostering peace not just within their borders but across the Horn of Africa.

This visit comes at a time when Somalia is making strides towards stabilizing post-conflict areas, with international support playing a crucial role. The discussions today are seen as a step forward in consolidating these efforts, with both nations expressing optimism about the future of their partnership.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to continue dialogue and to explore further avenues for cooperation, including intelligence sharing and logistical support. The presence of high-ranking military officials from both nations during the talks underscored the strategic importance of this engagement.

As Somalia continues to navigate its path to peace and governance, such international military engagements are pivotal. They not only bolster Somalia’s defense capabilities but also reinforce the regional security architecture, crucial for tackling transnational issues like piracy and terrorism.

Source: allafrica.com

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Air Tanzania Banned From EU Airspace Due to Safety Concerns

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In: Tanzania Foreign Investment News, Top News

Several airports have since locked Air Tanzania, dealing a severe blow to the Tanzanian national carrier that must now work overtime to regain its certification or go the wet lease way

The European Commission has announced the inclusion of Air Tanzania on the EU Air Safety List, effectively banning the airline from operating in European airspace.

The decision, made public on December 16, 2024, is based on safety concerns identified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which also led to the denial of Air Tanzania’s application for a Third Country Operator (TCO) authorisation.

The Commission did not go into the specifics of the safety infringement but industry experts suggest it is possible that the airline could have flown its Airbus A220 well past its scheduled major checks, thus violating the airworthiness directives.

“The decision to include Air Tanzania in the EU Air Safety List underscores our unwavering commitment to ensuring the highest safety standards for passengers in Europe and worldwide,” said Apostolos Tzitzikostas, EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism.

“We strongly urge Air Tanzania to take swift and decisive action to address these safety issues. I have offered the Commission’s assistance to the Tanzanian authorities in enhancing Air Tanzania’s safety performance and achieving full compliance with international aviation standards.”

Air Tanzania has a mixed fleet of modern aircraft types including Boeing 787s, 737 Max jets, and Airbus A220s.

It has been flying the B787 Dreamliner to European destinations like Frankfurt in Germany and Athens in Greece and was looking to add London to its growing list with the A220.

But the ban not only scuppers the London dream but also has seen immediate ripple effect, with several airports – including regional like Kigali and continental – locking out Air Tanzania.

Tanzania operates KLM alongside the national carrier.

The European Commission said Air Tanzania may be permitted to exercise traffic rights by using wet-leased aircraft of an air carrier which is not subject to an operating ban, provided that the relevant safety standards are complied with.

A wet lease is where an airline pays to use an aircraft with a crew, fuel, and insurance all provided by the leasing company at a fee.

Two more to the list

The EU Air Safety List, maintained to ensure passenger safety, is updated periodically based on recommendations from the EU Air Safety Committee.

The latest revision, which followed a meeting of aviation safety experts in Brussels from November 19 to 21, 2024, now includes 129 airlines.

Of these, 100 are certified in 15 states where aviation oversight is deemed insufficient, and 29 are individual airlines with significant safety deficiencies.

Alongside Air Tanzania, other banned carriers include Air Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe), Avior Airlines (Venezuela), and Iran Aseman Airlines (Iran).

Commenting on the broader implications of the list, Tzitzikostas stated, “Our priority remains the safety of every traveler who relies on air transport. We urge all affected airlines to take these bans seriously and work collaboratively with international bodies to resolve the identified issues.”

In a positive development, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has been cleared to resume operations in the EU following a four-year suspension. The ban, which began in 2020, was lifted after substantial improvements in safety performance and oversight by PIA and the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA).

“Since the TCO Authorisation was suspended, PIA and PCAA have made remarkable progress in enhancing safety standards,” noted Tzitzikostas. “This demonstrates that safety issues can be resolved through determination and cooperation.”

Another Pakistani airline, Airblue Limited, has also received EASA’s TCO authorisation.

Decisions to include or exclude airlines from the EU Air Safety List are based on rigorous evaluations of international safety standards, particularly those established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The process involves thorough review and consultation among EU Member State aviation safety experts, with oversight from the European Commission and support from EASA.

“Where an airline currently on the list believes it complies with the required safety standards, it can request a reassessment,” explained Tzitzikostas. “Our goal is not to penalize but to ensure safety compliance globally.”

Airlines listed on the EU Air Safety List face significant challenges to their international operations, as the bans highlight shortcomings in safety oversight by their home regulatory authorities.

For Air Tanzania, this inclusion signals an urgent need for reform within Tanzania’s aviation sector to address these deficiencies and align with global standards.

The path forward will require immediate and sustained efforts to rectify safety concerns and regain access to one of the world’s most critical aviation markets.

Source: allafrica.com

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Bringing Justice to Refugees’ Doorstep in Tanzania’s Nyarugusu Camp

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In: Tanzania Foreign Investment News

Access to justice is one of the human rights that allows individuals irrespective of their gender and social status to be treated fairly. For refugees in the camps in Tanzania, access to timely justice, especially for cases of gender-based violence (GBV) is critical when they have limited freedom of movement due to the country’s encampment policy.

In 2022, UNHCR and the Refugee Services Department in the Ministry of Home Affairs, in collaboration with Women’s Legal Aid Centre (WLAC) and Danish Refugee Council (DRC) established a mobile court as to address legal issues that affect refugees and their Tanzanian hosts living in and around Nyarugusu camp, north of the country.

“Bringing the court system closer to the people in the camp has made justice more accessible and timelier. Refugees can now address their grievances without the burden of travel or delays, ensuring their rights are protected in even the most difficult circumstances,” says Immaculate Shali, Senior Resident Magistrate, Kasulu District Court in Kigoma.

In the mobile court, the procedure of filing a case is simple. The case is reported to the police, then transferred to the National Prosecution Services (NPS) who file a case in an online court system on behalf of the United Republic of Tanzania, and then a Magistrate hears the case through the virtual court system in the camp.

“The mobile court initiative is a transformative step in ensuring access to justice for refugees. It not only resolves disputes but restores dignity and hope in challenging circumstances. Through our partnership with UNHCR, we’re ensuring that no one is left without a voice, especially the most vulnerable,” says Mburalina D. Maira, DRC Legal Team Leader.

Currently, two magistrates who were trained on gender-based violence (GBV) issues, including on how to respond to GBV cases, virtually attend the mobile court. On average, the mobile court handles two to three GBV cases per month, while monthly reports are much higher . It takes six months to finalize a GBV case in the mobile court. However, for the tendering of physical exhibits as well as for thepronouncement of judgement, they are conducted physically at the main court premises as per the court procedures. Survivors are supported by the Legal partner to attend these physical court.

“The mobile court brings a quicker access to justice for GBV survivors especially women and girls mostly affected by GBV incidents in Nyarugusu Camp. It speeds up GBV cases through the virtual court system and addresses challenges faced by women and girls about fear of retaliation, reduced rate of survivor’s withdrawal of cases in courts and distance factor,” explains Rehema Peter Katyega, UNHCR Assistant GBV Officer.

The refugees find the court useful as it reduces barriers such as distance and cost, provides timely justice, and protects their rights, as women and minors feel safer reporting crimes such as GBV. Also, it improves community confidence as the court is within the vicinity of the camp and it builds trust in the legal system and empowers refugees to seek redress for grievances.

UNHCR and partners engage paralegals who play a vital role in supporting the legal needs of refugees. Paralegals are often trained to provide basic legal advice in minor cases, educate the community about their rights, and help navigate the justice system, including in the mobile court. At Nyarugusu Camp, there are a total of 53 paralegals supporting around 134,000 refugees and asylum seekers.

Thanks to the generous support of our steadfast donors like the Government of the United States of America, forcibly displaced women and vulnerable groups are encouraged by having access to the mobile court to prosecute their cases without fear, as it is a closer facility where refugees only appear in court at a scheduled time thus allowing them to use their remaining time for other activities including attending to their families. The mobile court brings justice to the

Source: allafrica.com

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