DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIAN youths have been urged to exercise caution in their actions and decisions, avoiding undue influence from individuals who seek to incite unrest and threaten the country’s long-standing peace and stability.
Political analysts, student leaders and members of the public have emphasised that young people must uphold peace and unity, describing them as the cornerstone of national cohesion and sustainable development.
They warned that undermining these core values could plunge Tanzania into instability similar to that experienced by countries that are still struggling to restore order and social harmony.
Speaking to the ‘Daily News’ recently, Professor of Economics and Founding Director of the Centre for Chinese Studies at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Prof Humphrey Moshi, said Tanzania has for decades been recognised internationally as an island of peace and stability.
However, he noted that incidents following the recent General Election had, to some extent, dented this image and served as a reminder of how fragile peace can be if not carefully protected.
He explained that the violence witnessed during the period demonstrated the vital link between peace, stability and development, stressing that economic growth and social progress cannot be realised in an environment of insecurity.
“Without peace and stability, there can be neither economic nor social development. For many Tanzanians, this has been a wake-up call, because such situations were previously associated with other countries,” Prof Moshi said.
He added that the disturbances were accompanied by economic consequences, including an increase in commodity prices, which directly affected the cost of living for ordinary citizens.
“We even witnessed a rise in prices of basic goods. We should therefore continue praying and working to ensure that such events do not recur, so that Tanzania can retain its reputation as an island of peace and stability,” he said.
Prof Moshi further observed that young people constitute between 60 and 70 per cent of Tanzania’s population, describing them as both a blessing and the backbone of the nation’s labour force.
He called upon youths to play an active role in nation-building, while at the same time urging the government and other stakeholders to create an enabling environment that allows young people to access meaningful and sustainable employment.
According to him, unemployment and limited economic opportunities can make youths vulnerable to manipulation and incitement, a situation that poses risks to national peace.
“We must ensure that peace and stability are strengthened by all possible means, and that the seeds of misunderstanding that have been sown are removed, so that the country can return to a normal state characterised by love, unity and peace,” Prof Moshi said.
Echoing similar sentiments, president of the Tanzania Higher Learning Institutions Students’ Organisation (TAHLISO), Mr Geofrey Kiliba, called on young people to remain vigilant against acts of incitement and political manipulation.
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Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam, Mr Kiliba warned that allowing unrest to take root could drag Tanzania into crises similar to those facing some other countries.
He said the loss of peace and unity would have far-reaching consequences for all citizens, particularly young people, who would bear the brunt of economic decline, insecurity and social breakdown.
“Youths have a big responsibility in safeguarding peace and stability in this country. If peace is lost, it is young people who will suffer most through unemployment, displacement and lack of opportunities,” he said.
Mr Kiliba urged young people to take it upon themselves to engage, with humility and respect, those he described as activists who incite unrest, and to explain to them the potentially dangerous consequences of their actions.
He also appealed to Tanzanians of all faiths to pray for the country, emphasising the role of spiritual values in fostering unity and harmony.
“I urge every young person and every Tanzanian to dedicate at least one to five minutes each day to pray for peace, security and unity in our country.
As Christians, we believe the Scriptures which say, “Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain,’” he said.
Meanwhile, Dodoma resident Mr Allen Mwampashi said peace remains a fundamental pillar of social development, as it allows communities to conduct their daily activities effectively and ensures that key social systems function properly.
He explained that social pillars such as culture, religion, politics and governance can only thrive in a peaceful environment, and warned that instability disrupts not only economic activity but also social cohesion.
“Young people must understand that all development achievements depend on peace. Without peace, there is no progress, no cooperation and no sustainable community development,” he said.
Similarly, a UDSM student, Ms Rahma Athumani, said the current situation presents an important moment for young people to reflect deeply on their role in society and the long-term consequences of their actions.
She noted that peace is the foundation of national prosperity, and that when conflict, hatred and violence take hold, valuable resources are diverted from development priorities to security expenditure.
“When a country is unstable, funds that could have been invested in education, health care and job creation are instead spent on maintaining security,” she said.
Ms Athumani stressed that every citizen has a duty to protect peace by respecting one another, engaging in calm and constructive dialogue, rejecting incitement and placing national interests above personal or political gains.
“A peaceful nation is a nation of hope, rapid development and the capacity to create a better life for both present and future generations. Young people must choose peace, because it is the foundation of everything we aspire to achieve,” she said.