Paper short abstract:

Tanzania’s 'war on drugs' and harm reduction efforts exist in tandem with translocal securitzation concerns and efforts. This paper examines how local actors negotiate and address drug-related concerns and needs as they work within the constraints of translocal regulations, policies, and programs.

Paper long abstract:

This case study of the Tanzanian 'War on Drugs' is situated within a larger discourse about the trafficking of things and people in translocal discussions about border control and securitization. It examines the implementation of translocal anti-trafficking policies and programs and juxtaposes them with drug users and harm reduction activists' negotiated activities and attempts to manage multiple needs of the drug using, specifically heroin using, community. Harm reduction activities, initiated with HIV prevention funding from the U.S and France, unfolded under the oversight of the Tanzanian interministerial Drug Control Commission. Paradoxically, the Drug Control Commission is charged with both anti-trafficking activities and developing a national harm reduction policy. Two female Tanzania celebrities' stories bookend the initial and most recent efforts in harm reduction efforts. Amina Chifupa, as an MP, forged the national discussion on anti-trafficking beginning in 2006. In 2007, the Tanzanian government asked the CDC for funds to provide outreach to heroin injectors. During late 2012, the singer Ray C.'s heroin overdose and recovery in methadone treatment, strewn across the tabloids and national media, again escalated national concern about the ongoing heroin problem and the security of youth, neighborhoods, and communities. At the international level, policies regarding drug transit countries provided space for DOD to insert its securitization activities and heightened local anxiety over reporting requirements that govern country level funding eligibility. This paper is based on over 120 interviews, three surveys, participant observation, and newspaper and archival research conducted during quarterly and semi-annual research trips since 2003.