Govt declares zero tolerance for security threats

DAR ES SALAAM: THE government has declared zero tolerance for any threats to national security, reiterating that protecting the lives of Tanzanians and ensuring public projects deliver their intended benefits remain top national priorities.

Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba made the remarks on Thursday in Rorya District, Mara Region, saying the government is closely monitoring threats to peace and will not tolerate any attempts to destabilise the country.

“The government has no room for jokes when it comes to the security of our country and the safety of Tanzanians. National security and the protection of our citizens are matters of the highest priority.

We will continue to safeguard our country and protect our people,” Dr Nchemba said.

He urged Tanzanians to remain vigilant and avoid being misled by individuals operating from outside the country who allegedly incite violence through WhatsApp groups and other online platforms.

According to the Prime Minister, security agencies have gathered intelligence indicating that some groups are recruiting young people and encouraging them to engage in violent acts aimed at tarnishing the country’s image.

“They remain outside the country while sending messages through WhatsApp, urging our youths to engage in unlawful acts. Let them come here themselves instead of using other people’s children. We cannot allow anyone to trade with the lives of Tanzanians,” he stressed.

Dr Nchemba said maintaining peace is not a political issue but a constitutional obligation that benefits every Tanzanian, regardless of political affiliation, religion or ethnicity.

“The first beneficiaries of peace are the citizens themselves. If peace is disrupted in Rorya, the people of Rorya will be the first to suffer. Roads, hospitals, schools and all public infrastructure belong to Tanzanians because they are built using taxpayers’ money,” he said.

He urged citizens to safeguard public infrastructure, saying its destruction only harms the communities that depend on essential services.

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The Prime Minister added that although Tanzania embraces multiparty democracy, the government has a constitutional duty to ensure political activities are conducted peacefully without compromising public safety.

“There is no conflict between the government and political parties. Political parties exist under the Constitution and their meetings will continue. However, where intelligence indicates potential threats to public safety, the government has a duty to take preventive measures to protect all citizens,” he explained.

On development, Dr Nchemba said the government remains committed to strengthening accountability in public service delivery and the implementation of development projects.

He said his working tours are aimed at inspecting development projects, listening to citizens’ concerns and ensuring responsible officials are held accountable.

“I have come here to inspect development projects, listen to your concerns and ensure that every project funded by taxpayers delivers the intended benefits to the people,” he said.

On the long-awaited Rorya road project, the Prime Minister directed the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) to immediately launch a fresh procurement process after the initial tender failed because the sole bidder quoted an unreasonably high price. He said President Samia Suluhu Hassan had already approved the project, making it unnecessary to seek fresh approval before advertising for a new contractor.

“I have permitted the tendering process to proceed immediately. The approval already exists. Find a qualified contractor and start the construction works without unnecessary delays,” he directed.

Addressing water shortages in Rorya, Dr Nchemba instructed responsible officials to resolve the challenges without delay, including replacing faulty pumps and repairing damaged pipelines. “Citizens deserve reliable access to clean and safe water. There should be no excuses after the government has provided the necessary resources,” he said.