Samia stresses peace, unity

DAR ES SALAAM: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has extended warm Easter greetings to Christians nationwide, urging them and all Tanzanians to use the holy celebration to promote love, peace, responsibility and unity.

In her Easter message shared via her official X handle yesterday, President Samia called on Tanzanians to reflect on their love for God and for one another, to uphold their responsibilities and to build an honest and just society.

“On this blessed day, let it also be a time for us all to reflect on our love for our Creator and for one another, our dedication and professionalism in fulfilling our duties wherever we may be, the importance of building a society founded on truth and the rights which always go hand in hand with responsibilities,” she stated.

She further encouraged Tanzanians to pray for the wellbeing of the nation and to continue living in ways that uphold peace and national stability.

“Together, let us keep praying for our country, while living and acting in ways that enable our nation to remain united, strong, peaceful and stable,” she added.

Extending her Easter wishes to the Christians, President Samia said: “I wish you all a blessed Easter as our Christian brothers and sisters commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

Easter, one of the most significant holidays in the Christian calendar, commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ who Christians believe died for the salvation of mankind and rose again to conquer sin and death.

According to Christian tradition, among Jesus’ final words on the cross were, “It is finished,” symbolising the completion of his mission to save humanity.

Easter is observed on the first Sun- day after the first full moon following the vernal equinox, marking the end of the Lenten season and the triumph of life over death.

Meanwhile, Vice-President Dr Philip Mpango has urged parents, particularly mothers, to guide their children to refrain from engaging in violence during election campaigns and voting.

Speaking during Easter Mass at Mwenyeheri Maria Theresa Ledochowska Catholic Church in Dodoma yester- day, Dr Mpango stressed the importance of peaceful participation in the forthcom- ing General Election.

“All Tanzanians must take part in the elections calmly and peacefully. Vio- lence is not part of Tanzanian tradition,” he said.

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He also urged election officials and returning officers to adhere strictly to the law and guidelines to ensure fairness across all political parties.

In his message, the Vice President also called for vigilance on the roads during the holiday season, encouraging motorists to drive responsibly to prevent accidents.

Wishing all Tanzanians a joyful Easter, he said: “Celebrate peacefully and joyfully with your loved ones.”

Dr Mpango was accompanied by his wife, Ms Mbonimpaye Mpango, during the Easter service led by Father Dionis Paskal Safari.

In Mwanza, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko, echoed the call for peace and prayer, especially during this election year.

Speaking during Easter service at the African Inland Church (AIC) Makongoro, Dr Biteko urged Christians to pray for the country and to maintain peace, unity and national cohesion.

“This is an election year with various stages registration, nomination, voting and results. On behalf of the government, I urge members of AICT and others who feel called to serve, to come forward and contest, especially those with a genuine desire to help people,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of praying for the nation before, during and after the election. “As campaign season nears, let us continue to lift our nation in prayer,” he added.

Dr Biteko reminded worshippers of peace and tranquility built by founding father Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and sustained by current leaders.

“Tanzania is globally recognised as an island of peace. We must continue to uphold that legacy,” he said.

He also reminded congregants that the resurrection of Jesus signifies victory, hope and renewal.

“We thank God for the life we’ve been given and for the opportunity to worship together,” he added.

Chief Bishop of AICT, Musa Masanja Magwesela, called on believers to use the resurrection of Jesus Christ as a moment for personal transformation and renewed commitment to faith.

Preaching during the service, Pastor Stephen Kilel from the African Inland Church in Turkana, Kenya, emphasised that the resurrection gives believers the courage to affirm the strength of their faith.

“There are people who still doubt the resurrection. But we find great hope in knowing that life does not end with physical death there is resurrection that empowers us to proclaim the Good News,” Pastor Kilel said.