Building tomorrow: Youths at heart of peace narrative

DAR ES SALAAM: PEACE, security and stability are the lifeblood of any nation. They form the foundation upon which societies thrive, economies expand and aspirations are realised.

For Tanzania — a country blessed with a young population, natural wealth and immense potential — peace is not merely desirable. It is indispensable.

According to the 2022 Population and Housing Census by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), youth aged between 15 and 35 account for 34.5 per cent of Tanzania’s population.

This translates to over 21 million young men and women whose choices, values and actions will ultimately determine the country’s destiny. Whether they choose to build or destroy, unite or divide, serve or sabotage will shape the future of generations to come.

Peace, however, is not only the absence of war or conflict. It is the sustained presence of order, justice, fairness and mutual respect. It is the environment in which families build their lives, businesses prosper and communities flourish.

As Kalunde Aidan, a resident of Misungwi in Mwanza, puts it, “Peace is not just the absence of war; it is the foundation upon which every dream, every business and every family depends.”

Her words speak to the lived reality of millions of Tanzanians whose daily livelihoods depend on stability.

The post-election riots witnessed on October 29 serve as a painful awakening to the fragility of peace and the heightened responsibility every citizen bears. Shops were closed, lives endangered and entire neighbourhoods unsettled.

These events demonstrated how anger can quickly replace dialogue, how misinformation can fuel destructive emotions and how years of progress can be undone in a matter of hours.

Peace is development in its purest form. Without it, schools cannot function, hospitals cannot operate effectively, businesses cannot thrive and investors cannot commit to long-term plans.

The tourism sector, which directly and indirectly supports hundreds of thousands of Tanzanians, is particularly sensitive to instability.

As Arusha-based marketing professional Julius Vuli observes, “Peace after the elections will greatly help to restore and promote economic activities in the country.

Without peace, no tourists will come to our country, which weakens this important sector.” His words highlight how interconnected peace is with livelihoods, employment and national growth.

The unrest of October 29 also exposed the speed at which rumours, unverified information and emotional frustration can escalate social tension.

Dar es Salaam driver Sadick Meja noted, “The riots taught us how easily rumours and frustration can destroy years of progress. But they also gave us a chance to reflect, reform and rebuild.” His reflection speaks directly to the youth, who often drive social movements and influence public opinion.

In the digital age, young people wield unprecedented power through social media. While this offers opportunities for innovation, learning and civic engagement, it also presents dangers.

Unverified content, inflammatory messages and divisive narratives spread faster than ever. Therefore, the youth must become gatekeepers of truth, promoting responsible use of digital platforms, countering misinformation and refusing to fuel hatred or division.

This moment demands a renewed commitment to ethics among young people. Ethics cultivate discipline, integrity and accountability — values essential for a stable and just society.

When youth uphold honesty and fairness, they create a trustworthy environment that strengthens democracy. Ethical societies resolve disputes through dialogue rather than destruction and uphold unity over tribalism or political manipulation.

Arusha entrepreneur Christopher Ngakongwa captures this spirit succinctly: “Peace is the foundation of our nation’s development, and through reconciliation, society strengthens the spirit of democratic transformation.”

He urges Tanzanians to condemn incitement capable of endangering peace and instead work towards rebuilding unity. His call reflects a truth that democracy cannot function in an atmosphere of fear, and peace cannot endure where citizens abandon ethical conduct.

Throughout history, young people have been the heartbeat of change. In Tanzania, where they represent the largest demographic group, their influence is enormous.

The nation’s stability rests not only on government directives but also on the everyday decisions of ordinary citizens — especially the youth.

Whether it is avoiding hate speech, reporting suspicious behaviour, participating in volunteer work or resolving misunderstandings peacefully, every action contributes to national harmony.

Napendael Chelangwa, Chief Operating Officer at Ekima Interactive Learning, underscores the human cost of instability: “Where chaos reigns, peace disappears, and life ceases to be normal.

Many suffer, especially those who cannot defend themselves and whose future is uncertain.” Her words remind us that the burden of violence falls hardest on the vulnerable — women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities. When peace breaks, they often bear the deepest scars.

Sustaining peace requires deliberate, collective effort. Tanzanians must embrace dialogue as a primary conflictresolution tool. Respect for diverse political views, ethnic identities and religious beliefs strengthens the nation’s social fabric. The youth can champion peace by organising community dialogues, youth forums, peace clubs and volunteering initiatives that promote patriotism and responsible citizenship.

Educational institutions, faith organisations and civic groups likewise have a responsibility to instil peace values through mentorship and training. A culture of peaceful coexistence must be taught, internalised and practised consistently.

Citizens across the country also emphasise the need for proactive mechanisms to prevent future unrest.

Improving early warning systems, enhancing community policing, strengthening neighbourhood committees and maintaining open lines of communication between law enforcement and the public are widely seen as essential.

When communities trust that their voices are heard and concerns addressed, tensions diminish and violence becomes avoidable.

Ultimately, the responsibility for peace and security rests with every citizen. It demands vigilance, cooperation and a commitment to shared national values. Tanzania has weathered storms before; from political transitions to social tensions — and has emerged stronger due to the unity of its people. Today, that unity is needed more than ever.

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By protecting peace, upholding ethics and promoting justice, Tanzania’s youth can lead the nation into a future filled with opportunity, prosperity and lasting stability. Peace is not built in a day; it is nurtured daily through words, choices and actions.

As one citizen emphasised, “We must choose dialogue over division, unity over hatred and love over violence. Only then will Tanzania continue to shine as a beacon of stability and progress in Africa.”