Category: The Citizen

Iringa. The Forestry, Land Use and Value Chains Development in Tanzania (FORLAND) Project has launched a national talk show aimed at raising public awareness on forest protection, wildfire prevention and investment opportunities in the forestry sector.

Funded by the Governments of Finland and Tanzania, FORLAND is implemented under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism (MNRT). It seeks to support sustainable forest management, environmental conservation, and economic development through an inclusive forestry value chain.

The FORLAND Talk Show is part of the project’s Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) campaign, designed to bridge the gap between expert forestry knowledge and community action. “Our goal is to increase awareness, shift perceptions, and attract investment in forestry,” said FORLAND Communication Expert, Ms Sheila Chatto.

“Informed communities are essential to building climate resilience.” The first episode, themed “Preventing Fire, Protecting Futures”, focused on fire management — a major threat to Tanzania’s forests and farmlands.

Many forest fires result from land clearing, charcoal production, and grazing, causing environmental and economic damage. Experts from MNRT, SUA, TAFORI, and local governments shared strategies for fire prevention, improved coordination, and responsible land use.

Chairperson of Kidete Village Council in Iringa, Jenstina Gidioni, said community training and the introduction of fire permits had helped reduce forest fires in her village. Regional Fire and Rescue Officer Jackline Mtei warned that Iringa remains highly vulnerable during the dry season.

“Careless burning must stop. Fire permits are a legal requirement for land preparation,” she said.

Makete District Commissioner Kisa Kasongwe noted that over 16,000 acres of forest worth TSh 81 billion had been lost to fire in four years. “Forests are wealth — but fire scares off investors.

” Iringa Regional Natural Resources Officer, Dr Goliama Bahati, reported that fire incidents dropped from 89 in 2020/21 to 60 in 2024/25 due to ongoing awareness efforts. FORLAND aims to promote forestry as a viable business that supports livelihoods, climate action, and national development.

“By bringing communities and experts together, we are supporting government efforts to protect forests and boost the sector’s potential,” said Ms Chatto. .

As the news of the death of opposition leader Raila Odinga spread on Wednesday, African leaders sent their messages of condolence to the Kenyan government and the people, eulogising the departed former prime minister as a pan-African statesman who championed democracy on the continent. While most East African leaders did so, Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo — seen by many as Odinga’s friend — curiously did not publicly offer his condolences, nor did his government.

Kabila factor News of Odinga’s death came as Kinshasa was seething over a meeting of Congolese opposition figures in Nairobi on Tuesday, led by former president Joseph Kabila, who, despite facing a death sentence for treason and other serious charges, continues walking around freely. On Tuesday, Kabila and several Congolese opposition figures met in Nairobi for a conclave to “reflect on the DRC”.

Those in attendance included leaders who have supported the AFC/M23 rebellion in eastern Congo, such as Franck Diongo. Former prime minister Augustin Matata Ponyo, who was also recently sentenced to ten years of hard labour for embezzlement of public funds, also attended the Nairobi retreat.

Others were Moise Nyarugabo, Jose Malik and Seth Kikuni. Opposition leaders Moise Katumbi, Martin Fayulu and Jean-Marc Kabund, were absent at the meeting in Nairobi.

Some of them have been engaging with President Tshisekedi in an attempt to build a national coalition and unite the country. According to his allies, Kabila may be doing the same to counter Tshisekedi’s move.

In response to the meeting, Jacquemain Shabani, the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the interior and security, described it as a “black mass organised by convicted criminals against our country.” He added that the Congolese government would “take action against the actors and initiators of this meeting, if it is proven that it is preparing to destabilise the institutions of the republic.

” Sharpening tools The Congolese justice system has convicted Kabila in absentia of treason, crimes against humanity, torture, rape, and participating in the insurrectionary movement AFC/M23. He was sentenced to death. Depending on whom you ask, Kabila is sharpening his political tools in preparation for a run that would unsettle President Tshisekedi’s administration.

Analysts say Kabila, who ruled the Congo for 18 years, is meeting his allies in Nairobi to pool resources. According to diplomatic sources who spoke to The EastAfrican, Kenya has invited Kabila and his political allies to hold meetings, offering them protection on the condition that they engage in dialogue for the Congo.

The Congolese Deputy Prime Minister said that Kenya “has been sufficiently identified in terms of its ability to host meetings that project chaos in Congo.” “We are monitoring this closely,” he said, adding that the government was preparing a “response”.

Frosty relations Kinshasa’s diplomatic ties with Kenya have been strained due to Nairobi hosting the M23 rebels, who launched the Congo River Alliance (AFC is the French acronym) in December 2023, seeking to unseat President Tshisekedi. At the time, President William Ruto said Kenya would not gag anyone for expressing themselves and declined Kinshasa’s request to have the M23 leaders extradited.

In response, DRC has stalled in accrediting the two envoys Kenya sent to Kinshasa, weakening its diplomatic presence in the vast country. This time, Kenyan government officials have been reluctant to speak on the record, but a diplomat told The EastAfrican that they are aware of the Congolese politicians’ meetings for which Kenya would provide adequate security.

The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs declined to comment on the matter. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Congolese officials and the M23 rebel group signed an agreement to monitor a potential “permanent ceasefire”, which could lead to an end to fighting in eastern Congo.

This agreement marks progress in the Qatar-mediated negotiations, following the missed deadline of August 18 to finalise a peace deal. Since April, Qatar has hosted multiple rounds of direct talks between the Congolese government and the rebels, but so far, these have largely dealt with preconditions and confidence-building measures.

The ceasefire monitoring agreement was one of two key steps to complete before talks towards a comprehensive peace agreement could begin. The second was a deal on a prisoner-of-war exchange that was signed in September, though the exchange itself has not happened.

State funeral Kenya will hold a State funeral for Odinga on Friday, an event expected to draw an array of regional and international leaders paying tribute to one of Africa’s most enduring political figures. Among those who will be closely watched is President Tshisekedi, whose presence — or absence — could carry political undertones amid the recent diplomatic tension between Nairobi and Kinshasa.

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Dar es Salaam. Winnie Odinga, the eldest daughter of Kenya’s former Prime Minister and opposition leader, Raila Odinga, has provided clarity on the circumstances of her father’s death, disputing claims circulating on social media.

Speaking on Friday, October 17, 2025 during the national memorial service at Nyayo Stadium, Winnie revealed that she was in India when her father took his final breath. “I was in India when he passed away.

He died in his own way, but not as people are describing on social media. He was in good health,” she said.

“He would rise each day for his walking exercise — one round on the first day, two on the second, five on the third, and he continued like that. I can say my father passed away a strong and healthy man.

The king has rested, but his legacy will live on forever.” She further described her father as a true leader, full of love and respect for his family, particularly his grandchildren.

“He was a devoted father. Even while burdened with national responsibilities, he never forgot his grandchildren; he always sent messages of love,” she said.

She also referred to Odinga as “father and hero,” whose wisdom, courage, and love profoundly shaped her life. “I don’t know who I will miss most — my father or my hero.

I am a lucky girl because he was my father. Only three people were as fortunate as I was: Fidel, Rozzy, and Junior,” she said.

She added that her father was a constant source of light and inspiration, motivating everyone he met. “To the world, he had many titles and often gave people nicknames.

But to me, he was simply Father,” she said. Recalling life at home, Winnie said their father encouraged critical thinking through questions and riddles.

“Our home was like a testing ground for riddles. Father loved challenging us to think, and it strengthened us greatly,” she said .

Dar es Salaam. President William Ruto led a sombre state funeral for veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, October 17, 2025 as thousands of mourners gathered to pay their last respects to one of Kenya’s most influential political figures.

Odinga, 80, who died in India while receiving medical treatment, was accorded full military honours. His flag-draped coffin was conveyed in a military procession from Parliament to Nyayo Stadium, where prayers, hymns, and heartfelt tributes were offered by family, political leaders, and foreign dignitaries.

The funeral followed days of chaotic scenes in Nairobi, where enormous crowds had overwhelmed security at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and during public viewings at Kasarani Stadium. The stampede-like conditions led to police firing into the air and, tragically, reports of several deaths and injuries as mourners pushed to see the late statesman.

Officials said the national ceremony would be followed by extended public viewings at Nyayo Stadium to allow Kenyans from all walks of life to pay their final respects. Throughout the day, political leaders and visiting delegations paid glowing tribute to Odinga, describing him as a fearless democrat, a reformist, and a unifying force who helped shape Kenya’s modern political landscape.

President Ruto, who in recent years had reconciled with his long-time rival, led the tributes, calling Odinga “a man who gave everything for his country” and “a cornerstone of Kenya’s democracy.” The atmosphere was charged with emotion.

Supporters waved flags, sang liberation songs, and raised olive branches as Odinga’s cortege entered the stadium. His trademark hat was placed atop the coffin — a silent reminder of his indelible presence in Kenya’s public life.

Throughout his career, Odinga fought for multi-party democracy, endured detention under authoritarian regimes, and served as Prime Minister in the 2008 power-sharing government that emerged after post-election violence. The state funeral marked the beginning of a period of national mourning.

The government announced that Odinga’s body would later be taken to his rural home for burial after final family and regional commemorations. The day’s events captured both the profound respect many Kenyans felt for Odinga and the tension that often surrounds large national gatherings.

Security forces were praised for maintaining order during the main service, even as authorities promised to investigate the earlier chaos that marred the public viewings. Raila Odinga’s farewell was not just a funeral — it was a defining moment in Kenya’s history, a final salute to a man whose life embodied the struggle for freedom, justice, and unity across the African continent .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s football giants, Young Africans (Yanga SC) and Simba SC, have both departed for their crucial CAF Champions League second preliminary round first-leg matches this weekend, with both sides missing key players due to injuries and fitness issues.

The two clubs are representing the country in Africa’s premier club competition and will be looking to secure favorable results away from home before the decisive return legs next week. Yanga head to Malawi without five players Yanga SC have traveled to Lilongwe, Malawi, ahead of their clash against Silver Strikers FC scheduled for Saturday at 4pm East African time.

However, the Tanzanian champions will have to do without five important players, Salum “Sure Boy” Abubakar, Dennis Nkane, Farid Mussa, Abdulnasir “Casemiro” Abdallah, and Abubakar Nizar Othman alias Ninju. All five were left out of the travelling squad due technical reasons according to the report received by The Citizen.

Despite the absences, Yanga’s travelling team remains strong, featuring a mix of experienced campaigners and new signings ready to make an impact on the continental stage. The squad includes Djigui Diarra, Msheri, Khomeini, Israel Mwenda, lassine Kouma, Shadrack Boka, Mohamed Hussein, Dickson Job, Frank Assinki, Bakari Mwamnyeto, Ibrahim Bacca, Azizi Andabwile, Balla Conte, Mudathir Yahya, Mohamed Doumbia, Edmund John, Offen Chikola, Clement Mzize, Celestine Ecua, Maxi Nzengeli, Dube, and Andy Boyeli.

Three players, Pacome Zouzoua, Prince Dube and Duke Abuya will join the team while in Lilongwe. The team assistant coach, Simba travel to Eswatini without Camara and Bajaber Simba SC have also jetted out for their CAF Champions League mission, heading to Mbabane, Eswatini, where they will face Nsingizini Hotspurs FC on Sunday at 4pm East Africa time.

The Msimbazi Street giants will be without their first-choice goalkeeper Moussa Camara, who is recovering from injury, and attacking midfielder Mohamed Bajaber. Despite these setbacks, head coach Dimitar Pantev has assembled a competitive squad capable of getting a good result away from home.

The travelling team comprises: Players who travelled to Eswatini are Yakoub Suleiman and Hussein Abel who Shomari Kapombe, David Kameta, Anthony Mligo, Karaboue Chamou, Rushine De Reuck, Wilson Nangu, and Vedastus Masinde. Others are Yusuph Kagoma, Mzamiru Yassin, Naby Camara, Joshua Mutale, Kibu Denis, Elie Mpanzu, Ladaki Chasambi, Jean Charles Ahoua, Neo Maema, and Morice Abraham; Also in the list are Jonathan Sowah, Steven Mukwala, and Seleman Mwalimu.

Simba’s attack will once again rely on the striking power of Steven Mukwala and Jonathan Sowah, supported by playmakers Neo Maema and Joshua Mutale. The team’s defensive structure, led by Kapombe and De Reuck, will be crucial in handling Nsingizini’s counter-attacking threats.

Assistant coach Juma Mgunda noted that team spirit is high and that Simba’s goal is to secure an away victory to ease pressure in the return leg at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. Tanzanian Giants Eye Group Stage Qualification For both clubs, these fixtures carry enormous significance.

Yanga are aiming to qualify for the CAF Champions League group stage for the second consecutive season, while Simba are determined to continue their impressive continental record and reaffirm their dominance in the region. A good performance in these away legs will not only boost Tanzania’s football reputation but also improve the country’s CAF ranking.

With both clubs missing key figures, depth, discipline, and tactical awareness will be decisive factors. As Yanga and Simba prepare for battle in Malawi and Eswatini, fans across Tanzania will be watching eagerly, united by one dream — to see both teams flying the national flag proudly in the CAF Champions League group stage.

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Njombe. The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has directed the contractor implementing the construction of the University of Dodoma (UDOM) Njombe Campus to accelerate the pace of work and ensure adherence to required quality standards.

The Sh17.14 billion project involves the construction of six key facilities — an academic block, an administration building, student hostels, workshops, a dispensary, and a cafeteria. The directive was issued by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Prof Carolyne Nombo, during an inspection tour of the ongoing construction works for the Njombe Campus.

Prof Nombo noted that the project began later than other institutions benefiting from the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) project, and therefore called for faster progress without compromising quality. She explained that under the HEET initiative, the government instructed universities to construct campuses in regions without higher learning institutions.

As a result, UDOM was allocated Njombe for its new campus. “The construction of this campus presents a great opportunity for Tanzanians.

It demonstrates that higher education is expanding, and the government is investing in new infrastructure to ensure that every child who aspires to study at university has that chance,” she said. Prof Nombo added that the government has sent more than 500 lecturers abroad for further studies, who, upon their return, will teach at various universities being developed across the country.

“The construction of UDOM’s Njombe Campus is progressing well, with buildings at different stages of completion. However, we have urged the contractor to make up for lost time so that by the 2026/2027 academic year, all the new campuses can begin operations,” Prof Nombo said.

She further instructed the contractor to increase the number of workers and extend working hours to ensure timely completion of the project. Njombe Regional Administrative Secretary, Ms Judica Omary, urged local residents to take advantage of temporary job opportunities available during the construction period.

“There is still a shortage of construction workers, so I encourage the people of Njombe to participate in this work. These jobs pay well and can help residents meet their daily needs,” said Ms Omary.

Assistant HEET Project Coordinator from UDOM, Dr Happiness Nnko, said the Njombe Campus project has been underway for four months and has reached 26.1 percent completion. “The construction contract is expected to be completed by May 2026, and by the 2026/2027 academic year, we aim to start student admissions,” said Dr Nnko.

The project contractor, Mr Dickson Mwipopo, assured the ministry that his team would speed up the work to ensure completion within the agreed 12-month contract period. “We are confident that we will finish the project on schedule and deliver it to the expected quality standards,” said Mr Mwipopo.

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Dar es Salaam. Opposition politician Godbless Lema has made a public appeal to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for protection, claiming his life is under serious threat.

In a swift response, the Tanzania Police, through its spokesperson, issued a statement on October 17, 2025 urging Mr Lema to formally submit his security concerns at the nearest police station. The police further reminded members of the public to follow proper legal procedures when reporting security threats in order to avoid misinformation and unnecessary panic.

Mr Lema, a prominent member of Chadema, shared his fears through a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), stating that he is living in constant fear for his safety and that of his family. On the evening of 16 October 2025, Mr Lema tagged the President directly, emphasising the urgency of his appeal.

He wrote that he wished to live long enough to see his children grow up, witness their weddings, and, if possible, enjoy the company of his grandchildren. Mr Lema claimed he was aware of individuals closely monitoring his movements and expressed concern that these individuals might pose a danger to members of his household.

“In these circumstances, I believe it is better to place myself in the hands of the authorities voluntarily than to continue living in fear every day,” he wrote. “I am ready to be held in custody voluntarily until after the election, because I believe this will bring peace to my parents, my wife Neema, and my children I know they will at least feel comfortable that I am safe.

I plead wholeheartedly for your protection and assistance, Honourable President.” Responding to the police statement, Mr Lema said he had already reported to the Arusha Central Police Station the previous night to raise his concerns and request voluntary custody for his protection.

According to Mr Lema, the authorities declined his request for protection and instead instructed him to return home while remaining vigilant. “Perhaps you have no information, Mr Spokesperson.

I went to the police last night to submit my report and requested to be taken into custody as the most critical way to secure my safety. But they refused to offer me that safe option.

I met with the OCCID officer Mr Mahita and spent nearly an hour at the Arusha Central Police Station discussing and reflecting. They told me to return home and be cautious because I am being monitored,” Mr Lema stated.

He added, “Mr Spokesperson, who is spreading panic–the killers and kidnappers, or those seeking safety with great urgency? When you are in front of the media, maintain a discipline that honours human dignity.” .

Songea. The Ruvuma Regional Police have confirmed the discovery of Father Camilus Aroni Nikata, a Roman Catholic priest who was reported missing earlier this month.

The priest was found alive but distressed, citing mental strain from financial difficulties and a relationship breakup as reasons behind his disappearance. Addressing a press conference on Thursday, October 17, 2025, Ruvuma Regional Police Commander Marco Chilya said Father Nikata was located near his place of birth in farmlands near Mawa Village, Hanga Ward after an extensive police investigation.

“Father Nikata was found safe, but in a state of exhaustion caused by psychological distress. He admitted to voluntarily walking away due to overwhelming debt and the emotional impact of a long-term relationship ending,” Commander Chilya told journalists.

According to police findings, the priest, who also serves as a lecturer at the Saint Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT) in Mwanza, had spent over Sh39 million between June and September this year to support his partner. The money was reportedly withdrawn from his bank account.

Mr Chilya told journalists that Father Nikata had been suffering from long-term eye problems. While he managed to undergo surgery on one eye, he was unable to afford surgery on the second eye, allegedly due to the financial burden of supporting his partner.

“Due to deteriorating health, financial stress and relationship problems, he had decided to leave the priesthood. However, he claims he was not given an opportunity to present his case to Church leadership,” Mr Chilya said.

Father Nikata is currently receiving treatment at the Ruvuma Regional Hospital (HOMSO) and his condition is said to be improving. The police have ruled out any foul play in the case.

“We confirm without any doubt that Father Camilus Aroni Nikata was not kidnapped. He disappeared on his own due to emotional distress,” Mr Chilya clarified.

The case has drawn national attention since the priest’s disappearance was reported on October 9. On Thursday, October 16, SAUT released a public statement confirming that Father Nikata was a lecturer in the Department of Public Communication and had travelled to Dodoma for a training programme for Catholic university priests organised under the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC).

The university expressed deep concern over the disappearance and called for a thorough investigation by law enforcement. It also organised a special prayer session for the priest’s safe return.

According to Mr Chilya, Father Nikata arrived in Songea from Dodoma on October 3 and was staying at the St. Shanney residence for priests.

He was last seen on October 7 heading towards the old Mfaranyaki bus stand carrying a small bag. When he failed to return, his fellow priests and Church officials conducted unsuccessful private searches before formally reporting his disappearance.

The Ruvuma Regional Police have urged professionals across all sectors to seek support from peers and institutions when facing personal or psychological challenges. “Organisational leaders must also ensure they provide a platform to listen to the concerns of their members before such situations escalate,” Mr Chilya advised.

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Dar es Salaam. Former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete was received with full ceremonial honours at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi this morning as Kenya prepared to bid farewell to veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi officially welcomed Mr Kikwete, who joined a long list of dignitaries from across Africa and beyond attending the solemn event. The ceremony, led by President William Ruto, drew thousands of mourners from all walks of life, reflecting the late Odinga’s towering influence on Kenya’s political and democratic journey.

Odinga, 80, who died in India while undergoing treatment, was accorded full state honours. His coffin, draped in the national flag, was escorted by a military procession from Parliament to Nyayo Stadium, where hymns, prayers and tributes were delivered by family, national leaders and international guests.

Mr Kikwete’s presence underscored the strong historical ties between Kenya and Tanzania, and the deep regional respect Odinga commanded. Throughout his career, he maintained close relations with Tanzanian leaders, often recalling how he once travelled on a Tanzanian passport in his youth.

The ceremony unfolded under tight security following earlier crowd surges during public viewings at Kasarani Stadium. Despite the heightened alert, the mood at Nyayo was one of unity and reverence, with mourners waving flags, singing liberation songs and holding olive branches as the cortege arrived.

President Ruto described Odinga as “a patriot who dedicated his life to the service of the nation and to the dream of a just, democratic Kenya.” The national mourning continues, with Odinga’s body expected to be flown to his rural home in Siaya County for final burial rites.

His farewell, marked by the attendance of regional and global leaders, stands as a testament to a lifetime spent in the pursuit of freedom, justice and African unity. .

Kibaha. Tanzania’s top government legal offices are calling for urgent reforms to modernise the legal and institutional frameworks guiding public investments, warning that outdated laws and weak contract oversight could undermine the country’s rapidly growing portfolio of state assets.

Investments in the country’s growing public investments–now valued at Sh92 trillion, up from Sh86 trillion last year. The high-level working session, conducted yesterday brought together the Office of the Treasury Registrar, the Attorney General’s Office, the Solicitor General’s Office and the Chief Parliamentary Draftsman to review the governance, performance and legal foundations of state-owned enterprises (SOEs).

The event was themed “The Role of Key Government Legal Institutions in Safeguarding Public Investment.” Chief Parliamentary Draftsman Onorius Njole emphasised the need to modernise outdated laws governing state-owned enterprises, warning that many were established under legal frameworks that no longer align with the country’s current or future development ambitions.

“Many of our institutions were created decades ago and are still governed by very old statutes that do not reflect today’s economic realities–or even the next 20 to 25 years,” he said. Mr Njole added, “We need deliberate efforts to ensure our institutions rest on strong legal foundations.

” He noted that Tanzania’s legal system must evolve alongside the pace of public investment and corporate governance reforms. “It’s possible that our current legal framework has not kept up with the speed of public investment expansion,” he said, calling the Kibaha session “a crucial opportunity for all key stakeholders to align on the government’s strategic direction for public investment”.

Solicitor General Ally Posi underscored the importance of specialised expertise and modern contract management systems to prevent legal disputes and safeguard government assets. “Most of the government’s legal cases are linked to public corporations,” Dr Posi noted.

“That means we need to strengthen professional capacity and ensure that contracts are managed with modern tools and expertise to minimise exposure and losses.” Deputy Attorney General Samwel Maneno echoed these concerns, warning that weak contract supervision could derail government projects or lead to costly disputes.

“If contract oversight is poor, government goals will either be delayed or fail altogether–resulting in unnecessary frustration and conflict,” he said. Mr Maneno disclosed that the government signs between 15,000 and 20,000 contracts annually, underscoring the scale and complexity of monitoring obligations.

“Given such numbers, it is impossible to ensure effective follow-up without the help of technology,” he stressed. “We are placing greater emphasis on deploying digital tools to strengthen contract management and compliance.

” Treasury Registrar Nehemiah Mchechu revealed that Tanzania now oversees more than 300 public institutions, signaling the expanding footprint of state-owned entities in key sectors such as energy, transport and finance. “The Sh1.028 trillion in dividends and contributions collected this year, reflects strengthened governance and performance monitoring.

There is tremendous potential,” he said. The Treasurer outlined challenges in enhancing the economic role of public institutions and reducing their reliance on government funding.

To achieve this, his office has introduced sector-specific key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor and support performance. “Our goal is for institutions to operate independently,” he said, aligning with Tanzania’s Vision 2025 for fiscal sustainability.

Looking ahead, Mchechu set a bold target of 2 trillion shillings in dividends for 2026, leveraging technology and legal reforms to sustain momentum. The session reflected a growing consensus that Tanzania’s economic transformation must be anchored in a robust legal and institutional framework.

Officials agreed that stronger inter-agency coordination between the legal and financial arms of government is essential to protect public assets and enhance returns on investment. .