Uphold peace, stability ahead of elections-call

ZANZIBAR: AS Tanzanians prepare for elections this year and next year, a call has been made to politicians and citizens to prioritize maintaining the existing peace and stability.

Speaking during the celebration of the World Peace Day held at the Dr Ali Mohamed Shein School at Rahaleo in Unguja, Mayor of Zanzibar City Mahmoud Mohammed Mussa said it was very difficult to rebuild disrupted peace, as witnessed in other areas in the world ravaged by conflicts.

He warned that in recent days, there have been inflammatory statements by some political party leaders aimed at driving their followers and other citizens to cause violence and panic in the community.

“Let us all discourage any attempt to disrupt peace.”

“Political parties should avoid instigating their followers into uncalled-for demonstrations that may culminate into violence, which also may lead to the abuse of children and women, and robbery,” warned the mayor, urging Tanzanians to enhance the peace and stability built by the founding fathers Mwalimu Nyerere and the late Abeid Karume.

He commended the Zanzibar Peace Trust Transparency Association (ZPTTA) for organizing the peace celebration, which marks 23 years since it was launched by the General Assembly of the United Nations.

The celebrations involved young people, students from secondary schools and colleges, and local leaders from various areas to learn and share ideas about the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining peace.

ZPTTA Secretary Ms Muzne Haji Amei informed the gathering that International Peace Day is marked every September 21 and is set to promote peace in the world and minimize conflicts like wars, which are costly to people.

She mentioned the theme of this year’s International Peace Day celebration as Cultivating a Culture of Peace.

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Ms Celine Lilienhoff Jagd, from Dan mission, an international institution dealing with peace-building and a ZPTTA advisor, said they have been encouraging dialogue as the best way to promote peace.

Pastor Paul Mdumi, Dialogue and Peace-Building Manager of Dan mission for East Africa, explained that the institution has been working for about 20 years, using religious leaders to promote peace through dialogues, inter-religious relations, and peace building.

Executive Secretary of ZPTTA, Ali Mussa said it is sad to see some areas condoning divisive rhetoric instead of embracing the tradition of love and kindness.

“It is not too late; let everyone promote peace now, during, and after elections.”