Dar es Salaam Officials Defend Sex Work Crackdown: A Call for Change and Community Support

By Adonis Byemelwa

The Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner (RC), Albert Chalamila, has staunchly defended Ubungo District Commissioner (DC), Hassan Bomboko, amidst ongoing debates criticizing an operation targeting sex workers. Chalamila asserted that the operation, which involved the arrest of sex workers, did not infringe on individuals' privacy.

The discussions emerged following various videos showing the nighttime operation in different parts of the district, accompanied by media coverage. In some instances, Bomboko was seen entering guest houses to remove individuals, a move that sparked significant backlash.

Addressing the issue during the commemoration of the Day of the African Child at the Karimjee grounds on Thursday, June 20, 2024, Chalamila responded to the criticisms circulating online. He noted that he had seen complaints on social media regarding the arrests of sex workers, highlighting that some women lamented being detained and leaving their children unattended.

"On this Day of the African Child, I want to clarify a few things with great emphasis. Discussions about children have shown the importance of parental care, but it's shameful for Tanzania and other African nations to interpret normal life as a parent selling themselves and neglecting their children's upbringing," Chalamila stated.

He emphasized the need to change people's perceptions, noting that the municipal councils have started preparing special loan programs to help those considering sex work to transition into culturally appropriate businesses that will serve as positive examples for their children.

Chalamila warned against endorsing what he termed as "nonsense" and urged non-governmental organizations to recognize that the children have no other guardians besides Africa itself, which will raise them to be future leaders.

He refuted claims of women being humiliated during the operation, stating that no one was forcibly undressed. "No woman was subjected to such acts; they were taken as they were found, sitting in public, and moved to a place to avoid embarrassment for children going to school early in the morning," Chalamila explained.

He recounted incidents of child abuse, including a four-year-old molested at home while the parents were away and a nine-year-old raped, with authorities tracking the perpetrators and ensuring the children's health is monitored despite the psychological trauma.

"These stories should awaken the spirit of parents to be loving caregivers and not support actions that degrade women's dignity, children's dignity, or citizens' dignity," Chalamila said. He stressed that children are the future of the nation and should be invested in like any business venture aimed at a prosperous future.

Chalamila highlighted that some arrested students in their early secondary school years admitted to emulating their parents' behavior. He urged citizens to remember that the government disapproves of the lifestyle some are attempting to normalize and is seeking solutions.

"Consider taking this small loan, engage in legitimate business that will help your child live a better future. By doing this, no one will regret their neighbor's actions, but everyone will be happy to see yesterday's child become a good leader serving their nation," Chalamila concluded. "This is my stance as I lead the Dar es Salaam region."

Meanwhile, in an interview with reporters on Tuesday, Ubungo District Commissioner Bomboko explained that all legal procedures were followed during the arrests, including granting bail to those who needed it.

"All those arrested were granted bail, some were taken to court, admitted their offenses, and were either fined or sentenced. Those who paid the fine were released; no one stayed more than a day," Bomboko stated. He clarified that the largest group ever arrested was 30 people in Sinza, comprising 23 women and 7 men, contrary to claims of 60 arrests.

Bomboko maintained that privacy was respected during the operation, questioning the privacy concerns of individuals publicly engaging in sex work.

The impact of commercial sex in bustling cities like Dar es Salaam is profound and multifaceted. On one hand, it provides a means of survival for many who are economically marginalized, especially women and young people who lack other viable employment opportunities.

 However, the prevalence of commercial sex also exacerbates numerous social and health issues. Sex workers are often vulnerable to violence, exploitation, and abuse. They face significant health risks, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and the stigma associated with their work can prevent them from accessing essential health services.

Moreover, the presence of commercial sex can have destabilizing effects on the social fabric of communities. It can perpetuate cycles of poverty and inequality, as children who grow up in environments where sex work is normalized may struggle to break out of this cycle. This environment can lead to an increase in human trafficking and other criminal activities, further complicating efforts to maintain public order and safety.

In addressing these issues, authorities must strike a balance between law enforcement and providing support systems that offer alternative livelihoods. Comprehensive strategies that include education, vocational training, and access to healthcare can help mitigate the adverse effects of commercial sex work, fostering a healthier and more equitable urban society.