JMAT: Peace must remain highest priority

DAR ES SALAAM: AS Tanzania approaches its much-anticipated General Election in October 2025, citizens from every corner of the country and all walks of life have been reminded that the preservation of peace must remain their highest priority.

Speaking during a live interview recently aired on state-owned television (TBC) in Dar es Salaam, Sheikh Alhad Musa Salum, Chairperson of the Tanzania Peace and Reconciliation Community (JMAT), underscored the collective responsibility Tanzanians bear in ensuring that the electoral process proceeds without conflict and in a spirit of national unity.

“For us to cross safely, it is peace that allows us to move forward. This is not an individual concern; it is a shared duty for every Tanzanian,” Sheikh Salumu said. He stressed that the responsibility to maintain harmony is not limited to government officials but extends to religious leaders, parents, youth, political figures and every citizen.

“Elections come and go, but Mother Tanzania endures. We must safeguard our nation’s peace at all costs,” he added, emphasising that the country’s stability is among its most valuable assets. Sheikh Salumu warned that once peace is lost, the cost of restoring it is extremely high.

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Drawing on examples from other African countries that have suffered political unrest, he noted, “We have seen how societies torn by election-related violence struggle for decades to rebuild trust and normalcy. We cannot allow such a fate to befall Tanzania.” He called on religious institutions to lead prayers across the nation, seeking protection from agitators and any attempts to disrupt national unity.

“Election periods often attract those who seek to exploit divisions. We must remain vigilant,” he cautioned.

Expounding on democracy, Sheikh Salumu argued that it should be defined and practised according to Tanzania’s unique social and cultural values rather than being imported from external models.

“We must not assume that systems elsewhere are perfect. Our democracy should strengthen national cohesion and promote justice and accountability,” he said.

Sheikh Salumu also reminded Tanzanians that peace is the foundation upon which all societal achievements are built.

“Without peace, economic development, social progress and political stability are impossible. As citizens, we must act responsibly to ensure that our country remains united and resilient, even in times of political contestation.” The message resonates strongly in light of Tanzania’s history of peaceful elections, which has contributed to the country’s reputation as one of Africa’s most stable democracies.

The emphasis on unity, prayer, civic responsibility and vigilant participation by all sectors of society is intended to safeguard this legacy as Tanzania prepares for the forthcoming polls. Supporting this perspective, Pastor George Fupe, JMAT’s Director of Religious Affairs, highlighted the interdependence of democracy, justice and peace.

“As the scriptures in Isaiah 32:17 remind us, ‘The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever.’ Without justice, peace cannot prevail and without peace, justice cannot be achieved. Upholding justice is critical at this moment to ensure that harmony prevails throughout the electoral process,” he said.

Pastor Fupe also emphasised the pivotal role of young people in the electoral process, noting that Tanzania’s youth, while energetic and capable of driving progress, are sometimes vulnerable to manipulation.

“Our young population must not be misled to disrupt national peace for the interests of a few. They are the future of our nation and their engagement must be guided by principle, discipline and respect for the law,” he said.

Parents, guardians and community leaders were urged to take the lead in shaping young citizens’ conduct, reinforcing the importance of moral guidance and lawful behaviour.