ARUSHA: PRIME Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has urged Tanzanians to safeguard peace as the foundation of national development, warning that instability risks undoing decades of hardwon socio-economic progress.
Dr Nchemba also announced that President Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed the Police Force to stop searching for Bishop Dr Josephat Gwajima, allowing him to resume his normal activities.
Addressing a public rally in Arumeru, Arusha, yesterday during his visit to inspect damage caused by unrest following the October 29 General Election, Dr Nchemba said the implementation of major development plans, including the CCM Election Manifesto 2025–2030 and pledges made by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, relies on sustained peace and political stability.
“If we choose disruption over peace, we are also choosing to drive away development, not just at the national level but also at the family level. This will increase poverty in our country,” said Dr Nchemba.
The Prime Minister highlighted Tanzania’s long-term progress in reducing extreme poverty, noting that the rate has fallen from more than 80 per cent at independence to about 8 per cent today.
“If we embrace chaos, in a few days we could see half of the country’s population living in extreme poverty. Let us choose to protect our country’s peace to implement development plans and save lives,” he added.
Citing the October civil unrest, Dr Nchemba urged every Tanzanian to commit to “never again” allowing breaches of peace.
He attributed the incidents to individuals with ill intent toward Tanzania’s development, who spread divisive narratives that triggered the violence.
He further accused some diaspora activists of being paid to incite unrest, stating: “They are funded to fuel chaos, aiming to divide Tanzanians.”
According to Dr Nchemba, the financial backers of these breaches of peace are motivated by economic interests, seeking to destabilise Tanzania and exploit its natural resources, including natural gas and uranium.
He noted that Tanzania is among nine countries globally with significant rare earth minerals and among the leading producer in Africa.
“They know they cannot access these resources if Tanzanians remain united,” he said.
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He urged citizens to resist manipulation and avoid disputes that could lead to loss of life and destruction of socio-economic infrastructure.
Speaking about Bishop Gwajima, the Prime Minister explained that after the government granted amnesty to the Glory of Christ Tanzania Church, its congregants expect to see their leader, and thus Bishop Gwajima should come forward publicly and continue his work.
“Let him come out so that we can build national unity. Let us come together and restore harmony. We have met with Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), religious leaders, traditional leaders and other stakeholders. Let us all join in this effort and promote a peaceful Tanzania, this is the call of our Head of State,” he said.
During his visit to Arumeru, Dr Nchemba inspected Kikatiti Police Station, Maji ya Chai Magistrates’ Court and Total Energy filling station, all of which were damaged during the October unrest.
In a related development, the Prime Minister ordered the dismissal of a medical doctor in Urambo, Tabora Region, accused of raping an 18-year-old girl after administering a sleeping pill during treatment at a hospital.
Dr Nchemba said the doctor tricked the patient into taking the sleeping pill, after which he attempted to commit the act.
The woman regained consciousness in time to witness the assault, and her husband, who was outside the ward, was alerted.
Other hospital staff, including a nurse and several doctors, witnessed and confirmed the incident, leading to the doctor’s dismissal.
Earlier, Arusha Regional Commissioner Mr Amos Makalla condemned the October unrest and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting citizens and their property.