Dr Salim urges African leaders to strengthen peace efforts

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Former Tanzanian Prime Minister, Dr Salim Ahmed Salim, has called on African leaders to invest more in protecting and strengthening peace, stressing that peace remains the cornerstone of the continent’s sustainable development.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam during the commemoration of the African Year of Peace and Security on September 21, 2010, Dr Salim said that Africa cannot achieve meaningful progress without political stability and social harmony based on justice and equality.

Quoting the philosophy of the Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, Dr Salim noted that peace is not merely the absence of war, but the presence of respect, justice, and integrity among citizens. “Mwalimu reminded us that peace comes from leadership that cares, listens, and believes in dialogue rather than confrontation,” he said.

ALSO READ: African leaders urge increased concessional funding

Dr Salim further observed that most conflicts in Africa stem from lack of good governance, corruption, and discrimination, urging leaders to emulate Mwalimu Nyerere’s example of integrity, humility and commitment to the public good. He also underscored the need to educate young people on the importance of unity and avoiding divisions that threaten peace.

He concluded by urging African leaders to continue drawing inspiration from Mwalimu Nyerere’s ideals to build a continent founded on unity, equality, and genuine development. “Let us safeguard peace as the legacy of our generation for those to come,” he emphasized.