Ambassadors and UN Delegation to Old settlements

On 29th February 2012, a delegation of eight Ambassadors from different embassies to Tanzania visited Katumba settlement. The aim of their visit was to assess the situation of the Newly Naturalized Tanzanians of the old settlements. It should be remembered that the government of Tanzania granted naturalization status to refugees who fled from Burundi in 1972 as part of the comprehensive durable solution strategy and plans to relocate and integrate them into 16 regions in the country.

The delegation comprised of H.E. Ms. Sinikka Antila, Ambassador of Finland, H.E. Mr. Masaki Okada, Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Ms. Ingunn Klepsvik, Ambassador of Norway, Mr. Alexis Maclet, Attaché for multilateral and humanitarian affairs, Embassy of France, Mr. Logan Wheeler, Political Officer, Embassy of the USA.

The delegation was accompanied by UNHCR representative to Tanzania Mr. Oluseyi Bajulaiye, UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Alberic Kacou, UNDP Country Director Mr. Philippe Poinso, Assistant Director of the Ministry of Home Affairs Refugee Department Mr. Charles Nzuki and External Relations from UNHCR Dar Es Salaam Mr. Jerome Seregni.

Mr. Mamo Mulusew, the Head of UNHCR Field Office Mpanda welcomed the delegation at the Airport and briefed them on the Katumba Settlement Operation then the delegation proceeded to Katumba where they were first welcomed by the Settlement Officer, Mr. Othman Igwe who also briefed them on the background of the settlement and challenges faced in managing the settlement and thereafter they had a chance to interact with newly naturalized Tanzanians.

During the discussion with newly naturalized Tanzanians it was mentioned that the health facilities in the settlement are not well equipped to serve pregnant mothers during delivery etc. The USA Ambassador Mr. Logan Wheeler replied by saying that USA embassy is engaged in health projects in Tanzania and elsewhere and he noted the problem and promised to take it further with relevant authorities hoping that the idea may be supported to serve mothers.

UNHCR staff in Mpanda prepared a cake in honor of Mr. Oluseyi Bajulaiye, the Country Representative whose tenure in Tanzania is coming to an end and soon will be leaving to other countries to take up new responsibilities.

The visit was concluded by the UNHCR Representatives to Tanzania Mr.Oluseyi Bajulaiye explaining to the journalist the purpose of the mission to Katumba settlement which was to access the living condition of the refugees who have been naturalized by the Tanzanian government. Journalists also interviewed some Ambassadors and the MHA Representative to get their opinion and impression after the visit. The delegation also planned to visit Kigoma and Kasulu Districts.