Chaos as militias, petty traders clash

Mwanza. Businesses on a number of streets in the central business district here came to a standstill yesterday when city militias clashed with petty traders during the former’s operation to kick out the latter from unathorised areas.

At least one militiaman was seriously injured during the clashes, which paralysed businesses for about three hours.

Members of the Field Force Unit (FFU) were called in to quell the chaos after the traders gained an upper hand over militiamen.

The chairperson of the petty traders, Mr Matondo Masanja, declined to comment anything on the issue, claiming that it was too early to do so.

Recently, Mwanza City Executive Director Kiomoni Kibamba directed all petty traders conducting their businesses in unauthorised areas to relocate to Makoroboi, Tanganyika and Sinai areas which have been designated for them.

The DED gave an ultimatum of three days from February 6, noting that legal actions will be taken against whoever fails to shift.

Speaking to The Citizen at Makoroboi area, an eye witness said the militias arrived at the area without prior notice and ordered all people to leave immediately.

“When we arrived here in the morning, we found the city militias who prevented us from conducting our businesses as usual. They said we aren’t authorised to be here,” said the small trader who refused to reveal his name for fear of prosecution.

However, this reporter witnessed a tape that had been tied around the market restricting all people from entering the area or passing through it.

Another trader, Ms Jane Matinde, was worried that the designated three areas won’t be enough to accommodate all the small traders.

The efforts to get comments from the leader of the operation failed as he was reportedly attending a meeting at the Regional Commissioner’s office.

Reports also hinted that Mwanza Regional Police Commander, Mr Ahmed Msangi, and Nyamagana District Commissioner Mary Tesha attended the meeting.