Government urges civil society organisations to safeguard national unity

DAR ES SALAAM: THE government has called on civil society organisations to remain vigilant and avoid being used by individuals, organisations or foreign countries to undermine peace, national unity and solidarity.

At the same time, it has pledged to work closely with registered civil society organisations to enable them to discharge their responsibilities effectively.

Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Ayoub Mohammed Mahmoud made the remarks while closing celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the registration of civil society organisations, held at Mlimani City in Dar es Salaam.

Mr Mahmoud urged the organisations to make proper use of their offices and platforms to resolve internal differences instead of allowing disputes and hostility to escalate through the media.

“The government recognises the importance of civil society organisations and acknowledges that they are valuable stakeholders in maintaining peace, national unity and solidarity,” he said.

He further reminded the organisations that the country was engaged in a struggle against moral decay, urging them to take a leading role in addressing the problem.

He said both young people and adults were increasingly engaging in unusual behaviours that were alien to Tanzanian culture. He called on religious leaders to use their platforms to promote moral values and help build a better society.

He also urged leaders of civil society organisations to discharge their responsibilities effectively to ensure Tanzania continues to remain an island of peace and stability.

Mr Mahmoud further challenged the organisations to translate the lessons gained during the three-day celebrations into practical initiatives that contribute to economic development, including establishing reliable sources of income.

The conclusion of the celebrations coincided with the announcement of six resolutions adopted following three days of discussions on the specific responsibilities of civil society organisations.

The Deputy Minister said the resolutions included continued participation by civil society organisations in government efforts to safeguard national unity.

The meeting also resolved that civil society organisations should hold a national conference at least once every year, while religious organisations should actively participate in addressing moral decay in society.

Other resolutions called on the organisations to utilise available resources and opportunities to establish projects that create employment and strengthen their financial capacity.

They also called for continuous education for civil society organisations on combating money laundering, drug trafficking and the financing of terrorist activities.

Another resolution urged the government to continue promoting national integration and religious tolerance.

Registrar of Civil Society Organisations Emmanuel Kihampa said the three-day meeting had reached 5,300 people.

He said participants had been equipped with knowledge and skills on how to manage their organisations effectively, create employment opportunities, establish alternative sources of income and identify available economic opportunities.

Mr Kihampa added that the celebrations had strengthened public understanding of civil society organisations and their role in maintaining peace, stability and national unity.

The celebrations began on October 28, 2026, and were officially opened by Minister for Home Affairs Patrobas Katambi on behalf of President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan.