The Duty to Safeguard Peace in Tanzania

DAR ES SALAAM: Peace is the cornerstone of Tanzania’s unity, democratic governance, and sustainable development. For decades, Tanzania has remained a beacon of peace and stability in Africa, founded upon its enduring commitment to the rule of law, constitutionalism, and national cohesion.

The rule of law is a fundamental pillar of democracy, peace, and national development. It ensures that both the State and its citizens exercise their rights and fulfil their responsibilities within the framework of the law.

In Tanzania, the right of citizens to assemble and hold peaceful demonstrations is guaranteed by the Constitution and the laws of the land.

Article 20 of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, 1977 (as amended from time to time), provides that every citizen has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, association, and participation in lawful public gatherings in accordance with the law.

This constitutional guarantee reflects Tanzania’s commitment to democratic participation while recognising that the exercise of fundamental rights must always be undertaken within the boundaries established by law.

However, constitutional rights are not absolute. Their enjoyment is subject to lawful procedures designed to protect public order, public safety, and the rights and freedoms of others. In this regard, the Police Force and Auxiliary Services Act, Cap. 322 (2023 Edition), provides the legal framework governing public meetings and demonstrations. In particular, Section 43 requires organisers of public meetings or processions to notify the Police Force before such events are conducted. Furthermore, Sections 44, 45, and 46 empower the Police Force to impose reasonable conditions, prohibit, or disperse public assemblies where lawful grounds exist relating to public safety, preservation of peace, or failure to comply with statutory requirements.

Consequently, any public demonstration conducted in violation of applicable legal provisions constitutes a breach of the law and may lawfully be regulated or controlled by competent State authorities.

This legal position is consistent with the classical political philosophy advanced by John Locke through his theory of the Social Contract, which explains humanity’s transition from a state of nature to an organised society governed by law. Locke reminds us that liberty is not unlimited; rather, genuine freedom exists only where laws protect both individual rights and the common good. Therefore, the rule of law remains the indispensable foundation of liberty, justice, and national development.

ALSO READ: Msigwa hails Tanzanian patriotism in safeguarding their country’s peace and stability

Where laws and established procedures are disregarded, serious consequences may arise. These may include violations of public peace, threats to the safety of citizens and their property, unnecessary confrontation between members of the public and law enforcement agencies, disruption of economic and social activities, and potential harm to Tanzania’s international reputation, particularly in relation to investment, trade, and tourism.

It is equally important to recognise that peace is one of Tanzania’s greatest national treasures and the foundation upon which sustainable development is built. While the Government bears the constitutional responsibility to safeguard peace and security, every Tanzanian has a corresponding civic and constitutional duty to protect it by respecting the rights and freedoms of others.

This principle is firmly established under Article 30(1) of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, 1977 (as amended), which provides that the exercise of constitutional rights and freedoms shall not be carried out in a manner that interferes with the rights and freedoms of other persons or prejudices the public interest.

In this context, I respectfully call upon all Tanzanians to uphold the Constitution, respect the laws and established procedures of the country, resolve differences through peaceful dialogue and lawful means, refrain from actions that may promote violence, hatred, or public disorder, cooperate with lawful authorities in maintaining national security, and place the interests of the nation, unity, and social cohesion above individual or partisan interests.

Tanzania belongs to all of us. It is therefore our collective responsibility to safeguard our nation’s peace with patriotism, vigilance, and unwavering respect for the rule of law. Only through such commitment can we preserve the peace that generations have built and ensure that future generations inherit a stable, democratic, and prosperous nation.