ROAD MAP FOR RECONCILIATION: Samia initiatives win kudos

DAR ES SALAAM: Samia initiatives win kudosANALYSTS, religious leaders and stakeholders have commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s national roadmap for reconciliation and constitutional reform following the submission of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry report on the October 2025 election-related violence.

They said the roadmap sets a clear direction for national recovery by bringing together reconciliation, accountability and institutional reforms, aimed at restoring unity, rebuilding public trust and addressing the root causes of the unrest.

“This matter has placed a heavy burden on my shoulders,” President Samia said in her address on Thursday, a statement that has drawn wide attention as stakeholders reflected on her message and its implications for the country’s future. Chairperson of the Tanzania Editors Forum (TEF), Deodatus Balile, said the President’s approach reflects responsibility and direction, noting that combining reconciliation with accountability creates an opportunity for sustainable national recovery.

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He said the formation of an investigative commission will allow a thorough examination of those involved in the unrest and facilitate appropriate legal action, which is essential in strengthening trust in state institutions.

“The formation of an investigative commission will enable a thorough examination of those involved and facilitate appropriate legal action,” he said, adding that such measures are necessary for accountability.

A political and social analyst based in Mwanza, Yonah Mapury, said the President’s remarks have inspired renewed hope among citizens, particularly because they outline a clear direction for addressing the aftermath of the violence.

He said there is strong public expectation that the recommendations of the commission will be implemented effectively, noting that support for victims, including medical care and assistance to those who lost property, is both necessary and timely.

From the religious community, the Head of Word of Reconciliation Church, Prophet Nicolaus Suguye, said the President’s message points to a path of national healing and unity, urging Tanzanians to come together and support efforts aimed at rebuilding the country. He said reconciliation and dialogue will be critical in bridging divisions and strengthening social cohesion in the aftermath of the crisis.

Similarly, the Mufti of Tanzania, Sheikh Abubakar Zubeir bin Ally, said the report and the President’s direction should be viewed as the beginning of a new phase in rebuilding peace and restoring hope.

“It is an opportunity to rebuild our peace, restore hope and advance the prosperity of our country,” he said, expressing confidence in the implementation of the recommendations. Political analysts have also described the President’s message as a turning point in addressing political challenges, particularly through dialogue and inclusive processes.

A University of Dar es Salaam Political Science Lecturer, Dr Richard Mbunda, said the President’s speech reflects a new beginning in the country’s efforts towards national healing and strengthening democracy.

“It is President Samia’s deliberate reconciliation tone which will bring all political parties together and address the persisting political challenges,” he told the ‘Daily News’. Dr Mbunda said the reconciliation approach is crucial in bringing together all political actors, including CHADEMA, which distanced itself from the October General Election while calling for electoral reforms, particularly a new constitution.

“As the recommendations of the report echo hostile relations among political parties in the past year, reconciliation efforts should revive cooperation as a foundation for peace talks,” he said.

Dr Mbunda said mutual respect among political parties will be key to building lasting peace and creating space for stakeholders to resolve emerging challenges through dialogue. A Public Administration and Governance expert at the Institute of Accountancy Arusha, Adam Mnyavanu, said reconciliation efforts should go beyond political and religious leaders to ensure inclusive representation, particularly of young people.

He said achieving the country’s development aspirations, including Vision 2050, requires collective efforts anchored on peace, understanding and active participation in economic activities.

“First and foremost, we have the country to build which is Tanzania. Therefore, we should not allow our political differences to destroy our country. This is the country which we don’t have its substitute,” he said.

Dr Mnyavanu said reconciliation should also focus on shaping economic and governance policies that create opportunities and promote inclusive prosperity. Meanwhile, a political analyst based in Mwanza, Hamidini Maliseli, urged citizens to avoid negative propaganda during this critical period of national healing and instead embrace constructive dialogue.

He said all citizens should refrain from actions that could fuel hostility and undermine efforts to restore peace and unity. From Kagera Region, leaders also commended the President’s direction, saying it reflects commitment to unity and national cohesion. Retired Kagera Regional CCM Chairman, Pius Ngeze, said the establishment of the commission itself demonstrates willingness to listen and address national concerns.

“The Independent Commission has accomplished a noble task and we support its recommendations,” he said.

Kagera Regional Sheikh (Bakwata), Haruna Kichwabuta, called on Tanzanians to move forward together and focus on unity as the country implements the recommendations. “We urge all Tanzanians to move forward together and forget the past,” he said.

Kagera Regional CCM Chairman, Dr Nazir Karamagi, also said the country is moving in the right direction, calling on citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening unity and development.

“Tanzanians should not allow elections to divide us,” he said, urging citizens to focus on productive activities to improve their livelihoods.

At the grassroots level, Geita Region Boda Boda Association Chairperson, Fidel Fidelis, said the President’s remarks reflect commitment to uniting the nation through her 4Rs philosophy of Reconciliation, Resilience, Reforms and Rebuilding. He said citizens should support the reconciliation process and embrace dialogue as a way of strengthening unity and preventing future conflicts.