Africa-Press – Tanzania. RELIGIOUS leaders in the country have been urged to continue promoting respect for the rule of law and to actively discourage acts of lawlessness among their followers and the general public, especially during the upcoming General Election, in order to safeguard peace and stability.
The call was made by Tanzania Police Force, Police Spokesperson, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SACP) David Misime, who represented Inspector General of Police (IGP) Camillius Wambura, during the 54th Annual Conference of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Tanzania (Jalsa Salana) in Dar es Salaam.
The event was also attended by the Chairperson of the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG), retired judge Mathew Mwaimu.
Held under the theme “Islam and Human Rights,” the conference attracted participants from across Tanzania and abroad.
“This annual convention comes at a crucial time as our nation approaches the General Election,” Misime said, adding: “I urge religious leaders and all citizens to refrain from any actions that violate the law. When you go to vote, remember that the law requires you to return home peacefully after casting your ballot and wait patiently for the results. Do not engage in or incite lawlessness. Fortunately, this community has always championed respect for the law continue to spread that message so our country remains peaceful and stable.”
He stressed the importance of cooperation and teaching one another about law-abiding behaviour, while also praying for the nation so that the election is conducted peacefully, safely and with unity.
“There is nothing God cannot grant to someone who prays with sincerity and faith. If we pray, denounce wrongdoing, obey the law and teach others to do the same, we will successfully pass through this election period peacefully,” he said.
SACP Misime also urged religious leaders to guide young people on the proper use of social media, encouraging them to focus on content that benefits them rather than materials that promote hatred and division.
“Social media can be a powerful tool for good you can read the word of God, gain knowledge, support students in their studies and help entrepreneurs and farmers promote their businesses or increase crop production. It also enables access to services like buying tickets and engaging in various social activities,” he said.
“When used wisely, these platforms are beneficial. But we must reflect on how we use social media and be willing to correct one another when necessary. The misuse of these tools carries serious consequences and we must remain vigilant.”
He stressed the need to craft strategies to reach more young people and equip them with proper understanding and guidance on safe digital practices.
“Young people make up the largest group of internet users and are the most active on social media. Without proper guidance, they risk falling into harmful behaviours that could ultimately threaten national peace, unity, love and security,” he said.
He added: “We urge you to continue educating them and emphasising the responsible use of social media to promote peace and stability, beginning within our families and extending to the nation as a whole.”
Retired Judge Mwaimu, for his part, urged Tanzanians to uphold the country’s laws while exercising their constitutional right to worship, emphasising that freedom of worship should never become a source of conflict or disorder.
“Although Tanzania’s Constitution guarantees freedom of worship, there are legal frameworks that govern how this right should be enjoyed. These laws set conditions and procedures to ensure safety, social order and the proper registration of religious groups,” he said.
He commended the Jamaat for its efforts in promoting peace, love, cooperation, respect for the law across all faiths and teaching good morals and values through Islam.
Moreover, the Jamaat Secretary-General, Akbar Kazema, said the conference theme was chosen to highlight the importance of peace and human rights. He added that global peace remains fragile and the event aimed to remind participants of Islamic guidance on upholding justice and protecting vulnerable groups.
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