Diplomats: Peace, unity, key to progress

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIANS have been urged to continue protecting the country’s lasting peace to enable leaders to effectively implement development projects for national prosperity.

Citizens have been reminded to exercise their and legal principles, rather than acting impulsively or following public sentiment without fully understanding the issues at hand.

The call was made by retired ambassadors during a special interview recently aired on the Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC).

Reflecting on the recent General Election, Brigadier General (Rtd) Ambassador Francis Mndolwa appealed to citizens to avoid prolonging political divisions and instead focus on nation-building.

Ambassador Mndolwa explained that it is the duty of every Tanzanian to preserve peace and security, noting that development cannot flourish amid unrest or conflict.

“Everyone must ensure that peace prevails so that planned development projects can be implemented. This responsibility does not rest solely on leaders; it belongs to every Tanzanian, wherever they may be,” he said.

He urged citizens to support the government in implementing its development agenda and in fulfilling the aspirations of the people.

Drawing on his experience as Tanzania’s Ambassador to Burundi and his involvement in restoring stability there from 1993 to 2010, Ambassador Mndolwa highlighted how peace and reconciliation were achieved by actively engaging all citizens in maintaining stability.

He further stressed that Tanzanians should seek a deeper understanding of national and political matters, rather than acting on emotion, mob influence or without knowledge of the issues.

“Everyone must be involved and well-informed. Achieving peace requires full participation from all citizens, because development is impossible where there is disorder,” he said.

He stressed that no meaningful progress can be achieved through chaos and that grievances should be addressed through constitutional channels and constructive political dialogue.

On national unity, Ambassador Mndolwa said it is important for leaders to stay close to the people. “Leaders should be part of the communities they serve. When citizens are confident that their leaders are with them, peace and progress follow. But when leaders distance themselves, unrest becomes inevitable,” he said.

He further stressed that public participation in development initiatives is vital and that citizens should be kept well-informed about ongoing projects and their anticipated benefits.

The Ambassador also called for a renewed commitment to reconciliation, dialogue and collective discussions from village level to the national stage to foster a shared sense of direction and purpose.

Meanwhile, former Tanzanian Ambassador to the African Union and Nigeria, Dr Msuya Mangachi, said that while citizens have every right to demand their rights, rights come with corresponding responsibilities.

“One cannot claim a right without respecting the procedures and laws that govern its realisation. Too often, people demand rights without considering the constitutional framework, which can lead to unrest,” said Dr Mangachi.

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He added that making demands without following due process encourages shortcuts, which often escalate into conflicts.

Dr Mangachi also highlighted the importance of ethics and accountability among leaders. He stressed that leaders must act with integrity and declare their assets as required by the law.