Diseases as a contemporary trans-sovereign threat in Africa: the role of Tanzania peoples defence forces

Abstract

This study examined the role of Tanzania Peoples Defence Forces (TPDF) in dealing with diseases as one of the trans-sovereign threats in Africa. It evaluated the extent of Tanzania Peoples Defense Forces participation in preventing and fighting diseases in Tanzania and Africa. It also explored challenges facing the involvement of Tanzania Peoples Defence Forces in collaboration with other stake holders in fighting diseases as a trans-sovereign security threat in Tanzania and Africa. To explain the nature of relationship between the Tanzania Peoples Defence Forces and other stakeholders two theories were employed namely; The Institutional Theory and the Convergence Theory. The study was conducted in Dar es Salaam involving the TPDF officials and other stake holders from civil institutions namely; Ministry of Health and Social welfare, Police Force, Immigration Services and Department of Disaster Management- Prime Minister’s office. The study found out that the role of TPDF in dealing with diseases as a disaster in Tanzania is remarkable but outside Tanzania the role is negligible. Reason mentioned was lack of resources such as human resources, equipments and fund. The study also found out that the issue of command and control during civil-military joint operation is a big challenge. The conclusion from the research findings is that the role and contribution of TPDF in fighting diseases in collaboration with other stakeholders internationally is very minimal (it participates only in workshops). The study also found out those big challenges affecting the participation includes lack of resources such as skilled personnel, poor technology, and fund. The research recommends that since diseases have no boarder TPDF should equip itself enough to collaborate with other regional and sub regional stakeholders to fight diseases. It also recommend regular joint ix exercises between civil and military so as to familiarize each other’s culture and also the issue of command and control and budgetary issues should be strongly addressed.