Africa-Press – Tanzania. PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan yesterday vowed that the government will firmly defend Tanzania’s sovereignty, calling on elders to guide the youth and prevent them from being drawn into violence.
The Head of State made the remarks during a meeting with Dar es Salaam elders, addressing the violent incidents that erupted during and after the October 29th General Election.
“We will stand strong to protect our nation, safeguard its sovereignty and ensure the safety of every citizen. We must learn from the past, heal the wounds we suffered, and move forward. Tanzania will be defended strongly against anyone who seeks to threaten its peace and stability,” President Samia said.
She said the unrest was alien to Tanzanian culture and caused unnecessary suffering, noting that every person who was injured or lost their life during the violence was a fellow citizen with equal rights and freedom.
“No one is above another, and the rights to life and freedom belong to all Tanzanians. There is therefore no justification for citizens to harm one another or deny anyone their liberty,” she said.
She urged the elders across the country to guide the youth, saying that building the nation is the responsibility of every citizen and that now is the time for Tanzanians to unite rather than blame one another.
“This is the right time for us Tanzanians to stand firmly united. Now is not the time to point fingers at one another,” she said.
President Samia said the incidents in Dar es Salaam demonstrated how easily young people could be misled when they lacked proper guidance.
Many youths, she noted, were drawn into violence without understanding the agenda, influenced either by external actors or internal frustrations within political parties.
This, she said, has served as a lesson for the government.
“As a government, we have realised that our youths have been left to navigate life on their own. They lack guidance, mentorship and a clear understanding of civic responsibility, which makes them vulnerable to manipulation,” she said.
Recognising these challenges, President Samia said the government has established a dedicated Ministry for Youth Development to address their needs, provide guidance and ensure they grow with direction and a sense of civic responsibility.
She described the unrest as a planned operation with broad coordination, funding and a network of participants, noting that many of those involved did not have a clear purpose for their actions.
“Those who organised the violence intended far more than a simple demonstration. Many young people were used as instruments to mimic events elsewhere, without understanding what they were doing,” President Samia said.
The president drew a distinction between ordinary, peaceful demonstrations and the violence of October 29–30, explaining that usual protests are organised, escorted by police and allow participants to express their views safely.
“What happened was not a demonstration. We know the difference. Demonstrations happen within the law, but attacking police stations and private businesses cannot be tolerated,” she said.
Addressing the role of political parties, she said some were struggling internally yet tried to push their frustrations onto the public.
“Some parties have internal conflicts, but they attempt to hide behind others and use the youth to push agendas. This is unacceptable,” she said, noting that the government had previously engaged with political actors constructively to prevent conflict.
The president also highlighted the involvement of some religious institutions, reminding leaders that no denomination has constitutional authority over another.
“Tanzania has no single religious authority. Some religious leaders should not act as if they can control or override others. All citizens, regardless of faith, must follow the law,” she said.
On the government’s use of force during the unrest, President Samia said it was proportional to the threat posed, stressing that protecting citizens and their property is a constitutional duty.
“We pledged to defend this nation, its borders and the security of our people. When force is applied, it aligns with the nature of the threat,” she said.
Regarding constitutional matters, President Samia said the government has been engaging citizens on proposed reforms.
“Regarding the constitutional demands of some of our citizens, no one has refused to consider re-writing the constitution. I established a criminal justice commission that produced many recommendations, most of which have already been implemented. The main issue that remains is the constitution itself, and I have promised that within 100 days a commission will be formed to first foster reconciliation and then continue the constitutional process,” President Samia said.
She urged Tanzanians to focus on unity and nationbuilding.
“We are Tanzanians. Tanzania will be built by Tanzanians. Any wounds caused must be healed by ourselves. Let us take responsibility and work together to prevent future unrest,” she said.
President Samia further warned that any attempts to disrupt peace in the future would be met with preparedness.
“The past is behind us, but we know there are plans for other unrest. Whenever such attempts occur, we are ready,” she said.
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