PRIME Minister Kassim Majaliwa on Wednesday reiterated Tanzania’s unwavering commitment in upholding peace and stability.
The Premier said the East African nation remains steadfast in cooperating with the international community to ensure peace continues to prevail around the world.
“Tanzania is known for its peace and stability and we will just live up to such a billing of upholding such a virtue,” assured Mr Majaliwa at the commemoration of the International Day of Peace, observed here nationally.
According to the PM, Tanzania’s historical quest of upholding and maintaining peace and stability was worth emulating by other countries around the world.
Mr Majaliwa was quick to point out Tanzania’s role in ensuring other countries also enjoyed such a virtue cannot be overemphasized, singling out its involvement in peace talks in the Great Lakes region, Southern African Development Community (SADC) and through peaceful missions it has been undertaking in different parts of the world.
“Tanzania remains a role model in peace and stability, which is why some countries attribute the success of their democratic processes such as the general election to us,” he said.
He further pointed out that religious leaders also deserve a special mention for such a milestone not only through nurturing peace, but also influencing their followers to live harmoniously.
He equally paid tribute to the nation’s founding fathers for sowing the seeds of peace.
“We owe a lot to our past leaders, let’s all honor them by maintaining the peace that they’ve gifted us with,” the Premier appealed.
In the same vein, the Prime Minister tasked all government executives to come up with strategies that will diffuse breach of peace.
Mr Majaliwa underscored the importance of peace as a key component of sustainable development.
He said: “A healthy business environment is important for development, and in conflict-ridden communities, business operations are disrupted due to the unreliable social services and the prevalence of social problems.”
Earlier, the United Nations Resident Coordinator Zlatan Milisic praised Tanzania for taking a lead role in promoting peace and stability in the region, continent and the globe as a whole.
The UN official said Tanzania has cemented its status as the one of fewest countries in the world which continue to enjoy peace and stability.
“The UN will therefore continue cooperating with Tanzania in ensuring your model is replicated elsewhere, so that the world becomes a better and safe place to live,” assured Mr Milisic.
The Global Peace Index (GPI) released this year places Tanzania at position 86, among the most peaceful countries in the world.
The report suggests that Tanzania enjoys a lower violent crime rate than the United States of America (USA).
Tanzania is revered for its vibrant national consultative process that cements national unity and social cohesiveness, which ultimately contributes to promoting peace.
Tribal diversity in Tanzania is conspicuously embraced, celebrated, and inter-weaved in both modern and rural lifestyles. The sense of cohesion and nationalism exercised for decades by its leadership has propelled the country to be admired regionally as a peace haven despite being surrounded by neighbors drowned in civil discordance.
Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on September 21.
The UN General Assembly (UNGA) has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.
