DAR ES SALAAM: IT is crucial for young people to champion peace, unity and development because they are both the present strength and the future architects of the nation. The stability Tanzania enjoys today was built through sacrifice, wisdom and collective responsibility.
If that peace is weakened, it is the youth who stand to lose the most, in opportunities, in prosperity and in hope. Safeguarding harmony is therefore not merely a patriotic duty; it is an investment in their own future. Tanzania’s progress has always been anchored in the collective resolve of its people to safeguard peace.
At a time when the nation is moving steadily forward, it is vital to remember that stability is not just a government priority but a national asset built through generations of sacrifice and unity.
This is why every Tanzanian, especially the youth who represent the country’s future, must think carefully about the choices they make and the voices they follow. Tanzanian youth stand at a pivotal moment that will not only define their future but also determine where the country heads after the recent unfortunate incidents.
With expanding opportunities in education, innovation and a growing economy, they have far more to gain from stability than from any path that leads to unrest.
Tanzania needs their creativity, energy and commitment, not to fuel conflict, but to build stronger communities and a more prosperous nation. They should not allow themselves to be pulled into actions that undermine the very peace that gives them room to dream and succeed.
The events of recent days have shown how quickly misinformation and agitation can escalate. Yet they have also served as a wake-up call for Tanzanians to choose dialogue over division. Protecting peace is everyone’s responsibility.
Saying no to those who seek to disrupt harmony should not merely be a political statement, but an act of patriotism. In the aftermath of the October incidents that shook public confidence and disrupted the country’s longstanding tradition of peace, national leaders and elders have intensified calls for reconciliation, vigilance and renewed commitment to unity.
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Among the recent voices is the Chairman of the Mwalimu Nyerere Foundation, Mr Joseph Butiku, who has urged elders and youth alike to reaffirm the values upon which the nation was built: peace, justice, humanity and mutual trust. Speaking to reporters this week, Mr Butiku stressed that elders hold a special responsibility in nurturing the young generation as guardians of peace.
His message, rooted in Mwalimu Julius Nyerere’s philosophy of unity and social harmony, serves as both a warning and a guidepost. Tanzania, he said, must protect the moral foundation that has kept it stable since independence. Mr Butiku’s words carry historical weight.
As he noted, elders are the first institution of socialisation: “We give birth, take care of children and hand them over to the nation.
We teach the youth the meaning of being Tanzanians.” This intergenerational transmission of values has long been recognised in peace studies as a pillar of national stability. Conflict Transformation Theory, advanced by John Paul Lederach, highlights the role of community elders and leaders as anchors who preserve moral order, resolve tensions and model responsible citizenship.
According to Mr Butiku, elders impart values of love, patience and peaceful coexistence, qualities essential for a stable society. He insisted that Tanzanians have not lost their ability to reason through dialogue, nor their tolerance in overcoming political friction.
“We do not want chaos,” he stressed, adding, “We request trust among one another. We request our youth to trust us.” His message is both timely and necessary. The unrest in October left a deep mark: lives were lost, property destroyed and infrastructure damaged.
More profoundly, many citizens were unsettled, raising concerns about youth vulnerability to misinformation, manipulation and dangerous mobilisation through digital platforms. Mr Butiku’s appeal reinforces President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s recent remarks during a meeting with elders in Dar es Salaam. The president underscored the importance of guiding young people, particularly as the nation recovers from trauma.
“This is the right time for us Tanzanians to stand firmly united. Now is not the time to point fingers,” she said.
President Samia observed that the incidents revealed how easily youth can be misled when mentorship and civic education are lacking. Some were drawn into violence without fully understanding underlying motives, influenced by external actors or internal political frustrations.
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This concern echoes Social Learning Theory, which explains that young people often model behaviour, positive or negative, based on examples around them. Without proper guidance, they become more vulnerable to misinformation and manipulation by groups whose interests run contrary to national peace. This is the right time for us Tanzanians to stand firmly united. Now is not the time to point fingers,” she said.
Why youth must champion peace, unity and development Recognising this, the President affirmed that the October events serve as an important lesson.
“We realised that many youths have been left to navigate life on their own,” she said. “They lack mentorship and a clear understanding of civic responsibility.” Her remarks reaffirm the government’s commitment to strengthening youth engagement, safeguarding peace and expanding constructive opportunities.
Tanzania’s youth constitute the majority of the population, a demographic reality that presents both challenge and opportunity. Developmental Peace Theory argues that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without addressing development gaps, particularly those affecting young people.
Economic exclusion, unemployment and limited access to opportunities increase susceptibility to tension and political manipulation. Conversely, empowered youth become engines of innovation, productivity and nationbuilding.
Tanzania’s Vision 2050 and other strategic frameworks prioritise youth empowerment through education, entrepreneurship, vocational training and digital inclusion. The postOctober environment demands accelerated implementation of these commitments. The younger people are engaged in productive activities, the less likely they are to be exploited by those seeking to inflame frustrations.
The October incidents were a stark reminder that peace is not automatic; it must be nurtured. For youth to benefit from emerging opportunities in mining, agriculture, creative industries, logistics, manufacturing and digital innovation, stability must prevail. A single episode of chaos can reverse years of development. Investors withdraw. Tourism declines. Jobs disappear. Social cohesion weakens.
And, those most affected are the youth themselves. From transformative infrastructure projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to expanding ports, energy initiatives and the booming creative economy, Tanzania’s future is rich with potential. But these opportunities can only flourish in an environment defined by stability, not fear.
Peace is more than the absence of violence; it is a form of national capital. Countries that maintain stability attract investment, grow tourism, create jobs and accelerate economic transformation. Tanzania’s long-standing reputation as one of Africa’s most peaceful nations has been a powerful asset, drawing businesses, students and international institutions.
The youth, who stand to gain most from a thriving economy, have the greatest stake in protecting that legacy. Human Needs Theory, developed by John Burton, suggests that when basic needs such as identity, safety and recognition are fulfilled, individuals are less likely to engage in violence. Young people must therefore, see themselves as stakeholders in a peaceful future that offers dignity, opportunity and economic independence.
To secure lasting peace and development, youth must reject violence and manipulation. No society prospers when its young people are mobilised for chaos. They must question misinformation, resist political exploitation and prioritise education and skills development.
In today’s rapidly evolving global economy, whether in ICT, agribusiness, science, tourism, mining or construction skills are the currency of prosperity. Constructive civic engagement through youth councils, community organisations and local leadership structures provides channels to transform frustration into solutions.
Tanzania’s cultural and ethnic harmony remains a national treasure. Youth must rise above division and embody the enduring spirit of unity. Peace is the foundation upon which Tanzania’s aspirations, from industrialisation to digital transformation, depend. Without it, progress stalls.
With it, the youth can unlock their full potential and lead the nation into a new era of growth. As the country continues to heal, young people must affirm their role as peacebuilders, innovators and nation-shapers. The future of Tanzania will not be written by those who destroy, but by those who build. And, it is the youth guided, mentored and empowered, who must carry that responsibility forward.