Africa-Press – Tanzania. PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has called on Tanzanians to put the nation’s interests above personal or political agendas, insisting that peace and justice are essential as the country prepares for the October 29 General Election.
Addressing a Peace Symposium ahead of the 2025 General Elections, organised by the Tanzania Union of Imams, UMATA under the theme “Our Peace, Our Future” in Dar es Salaam yesterday, the Head of State called on Tanzanians, religious leaders and electoral stakeholders to safeguard national unity.
“Our country comes first, personal interests come second.
We must prioritise Tanzania and recognise that there is life after elections,” said President Samia.
“This is the message I ask you to deliver in your mosques. If we put ourselves before our country, it is the broader Tanzanian society that will suffer.”
She appealed to political leaders to avoid inflammatory language and unnecessary confrontation during campaigns, instead, focusing on clearly communicating their development agendas.
“Peace is not the absence of disagreement or conflict. It is resolving disputes through peaceful means,” she noted.
“Not every challenge requires force or weapons. Dialogue must always be the first tool.” President Samia also stressed the importance of adhering to guidance from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and cooperating with security forces to ensure a peaceful, transparent electoral process.
She reminded journalists of their responsibility to inform with integrity, warning that the power of the pen can either build or destroy a nation.
“Journalists must prioritise the country above all else. Use your pens to build, not to divide,” she said.
The president called for fairness and justice throughout the electoral process, urging INEC to uphold democratic principles and ensure free and fair elections.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the democratic process, anchored in the Tanzania Development Vision 2050, which outlines the country’s long-term aspirations for inclusive growth and prosperity.
“Vision 2050 aims to make Tanzania an inclusive, self-reliant and prosperous middle-income nation. This future depends on a foundation of peace, justice, unity and cohesion, values championed by our founding leaders,” she said.
President Samia acknowledged the critical role of religious leaders in promoting peace and morality, while underscoring that the enforcement of justice lies with the government and its institutions.
“Religious leaders are essential in nurturing peace and prosperity, but justice must be delivered through government systems. That is where human dignity thrives.”
She expressed gratitude to faith leaders for their ongoing collaboration and guidance since she assumed office and assured them of continued government support in both spiritual and national development efforts.
“Remain steadfast in promoting peace and unity. The government will continue to walk alongside you in this mission,” she assured.
As the country heads toward the polls, the president urged Tanzanians to remain calm, uphold peace and exercise their democratic rights responsibly.
“This will be our seventh General Election since the reintroduction of multiparty politics in 1992. We have built a legacy of peaceful elections, this must continue,” she stressed.
She warned that election periods often attract tension and attempts to disrupt peace from both internal and external actors.
“We must not allow such elements to succeed. Let us continue to be an example of unity. Never tire of promoting peace, harmony and solidarity.”
The president also encouraged all eligible voters to turn out in large numbers on October 29 to elect their leaders.
During the event, various Muslim leaders praised President Samia’s leadership and initiatives that have positively impacted the community.
Chairman of the Islamic Training Institute of Tanzania (TISTA), Sheikh Amiri Mussa Kundecha commended Dr Samia for fostering an environment supportive of Islamic finance.
“Under President Samia’s leadership, Muslims have witnessed a shift toward interest-free financial systems aligned with Islamic principles,” said Sheikh Kundecha.
“We are committed to contributing to national development, while remaining true to our faith.”
He also thanked the government for integrating Arabic and religious studies into the national curriculum, noting its significance for Islamic education and development.
Leader of the Tanzania Sunni Council, BASUTA, Sheikh Ali Zuberi, reaffirmed the mosque’s role as a place of peace, urging Muslims to uphold harmony.
“All mosques are centres of peace, not conflict. We pray that Allah continues to bless our nation with peace in our homes and communities,” he said.
Representing the Islamic Foundation, Sheikh Arifunad called on the Muslim community to pray for President Samia as the nation moves toward elections.
A senior official from the Conflict Resolution Division in the Office of the Chief Mufti of Zanzibar also offered prayers for the President: “We ask Allah, who has granted you the gift of leadership and made you a beacon of peace, to strengthen your resolve and preserve your legacy for future generations.”
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