Dr Kijaji condemns poaching activities for the destructive fire in the Kilimanjaro National Park

MOSHI: THE Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Dr Ashatu Kijaji has inspected areas affected by fire inside Kilimanjaro National Park, identifying locations allegedly being used by people involved in illegal poaching and environmental destruction.

Preliminary investigations have revealed the presence of poaching, illegal hunting and tree cutting for the production of poles, with camps allegedly used by individuals involved in such activities identified in some areas. It has also been reported that some fires have been lit while illegal activities were being carried out.

During the visit on October 6, 2026, Dr Kijaji used a helicopter and drone technology to inspect the fire-affected areas. She was accompanied by conservation officers, regional security and defence forces, as well as the Fire and Rescue Force.

Dr Kijaji said the government would not tolerate individuals engaged in activities that threaten the safety of Kilimanjaro National Park and its resources, stressing that strong legal action would be taken against anyone found to be involved in such activities.

She commended conservation officers, security and defence forces and the Fire and Rescue Force for their ongoing efforts to contain the fire, which has so far been brought largely under control.

Minister Kijaji also thanked stakeholders in the conservation and tourism sectors for their continued cooperation with the government in the operation, including providing manpower, medical services, food and other essential supplies to teams deployed in the operational areas.

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She urged communities living near Kilimanjaro National Park to continue working with the government by providing information about plans or activities that could threaten the protected area and exposing individuals involved in poaching, illegal hunting and environmental destruction.

Dr Kijaji said cooperation between the government, local communities and conservation stakeholders is essential to ensuring that Kilimanjaro National Park remains safe and protected for the benefit of Tanzanians and future generations.

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