PM urges faith leaders to champion dialogue

MWANZA: PRIME Minister Kassim Majaliwa has called on the community to continue prioritising dialogue and unity, rather than being sources of conflict and division in the country.

Speaking yesterday at the East Africa Peace Symposium organised by the Islamic Foundation in Mwanza, Mr Majaliwa stressed the importance of fostering a society that respects differing opinions and promotes constructive discussions through various platforms.

“We must build a community that values diverse opinions and encourages dialogue,” said Mr Majaliwa, while also calling on faith leaders to continue serving as bridges to this noble course.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability, which he described as essential for national development.

“Without peace, there can be no development. We have always seen faith leaders preaching peace within their communities, let us continue to uphold this vital value,” he added.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the impact of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s “4Rs” philosophy Resilience, Reconciliation, Reforms and Rebuilding which he said has laid a solid foundation for peace and national harmony.

In this context, he urged citizens to prioritise dialogue and reconciliation as tools for resolving community disputes.

On a related note, Mr Majaliwa expressed concern over increasing moral decay in society, particularly among the youth.

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He urged religious leaders to make the fight against moral erosion a key agenda item in their meetings and teachings.

“We must give serious attention to the issue of moral decay. I call upon all religious leaders to address this continuously in their sermons and forums,” he said.

Mr Majaliwa pointed to the rapid technological revolution and the unfiltered adoption of foreign cultural values as leading contributors to the decline in traditional morals and respect.

“As a result, it is becoming common for youth to disrespect elders something that was once unthinkable. Faith leaders have a powerful role in reversing this trend and raising well-mannered youth,” he noted.

For his part, Islamic Foundation Chairperson Mr Aref Nahdi reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to working alongside the government to build a prosperous, just and peaceful Tanzania.

He added that the Islamic Foundation will continue to condemn hate speech, divisive rhetoric and any actions that undermine respect for national leaders.

“Promoting peace and preventing hate speech are integral parts of Islamic teachings,” Mr Nahdi emphasised.