NCJ Number
146919
Date Published
1993
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This paper examines the role of and official reactions to vigilante groups in Tanzania.
Abstract
Vigilante groups started in the rural areas of Tanzania near the end of 1979 and early 1980. They assumed a variety of names that suggested they were revolutionary parties or armies. They later came to be called sungusungu. These vigilantes patrolled their villages, arrested and interrogated those they suspected of involvement in criminal activities, especially cattle rustling. At times, they pursued their suspects beyond the boundaries of their village. Upon arrest and interrogation they meted out punishment, which occasionally included death. The police were not support of these groups, preferring to call them bandits. They arrested those thought to be their leaders and brought charges against them. Tanzania is governed under one party, Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM), which supported the vigilante groups as far back as August 1982. The party chairman declared that these groups operated in self-defense against cattle rustlers and other criminals. Since the first CCM statement in support of these groups, there has been widespread discussion within government circles about legislative recognition and control of their activities. In April 1989, a bill was passed as the People's Militia Laws, which recognized existing vigilante groups as People's Militia. The author concludes that not all social problems can be resolved under formal and government-initiated institutions. There are other sources of social legitimacy and other power centers within society than laws under the Constitution. 14 footnotes