Reported by
Faridah N Kulumba
The new Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan assured that her government is open for discussion with religious leaders and institutions on burning issues to promote peace and unity in Tanzania.
Aim of the remarks
The remarks were aimed at the leadership of the National Muslim Council of Tanzania (BAKWATA), with Secretary General Nuhu Mrum asking that the president abrogates existing detention order and release Zanzibar sheikhs who have for years been held in custody reported IPPmedia. Sheikh Mruma said that staying in custody for a long time without trial denies them the right to timely access to justice.
Clerics relationship with Tanzania’s government
In 2017 during the late President John Magufuli’s administration, the government threatened to revoke the registration of religious organisations that mix religion and politics, after some clerics criticised Magufuli’s leadership in their sermons. The warning was issued just days after the head of a Pentecostal church in Dar es Salaam criticised Magufuli’s administration, saying his government was closing democratic space.
Imaam Ali Ahmed Sharif Muslim leader in Dar es Salaam told Africa-Press that some leaders of religious societies through their sermons, they analysed political issues, which is contrary to the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The Citizen reported that opponents accused Magufuli of increasingly undermining democracy by curbing dissent and stifling free speech. But President Samia urged religious leaders to take time to sensitise their followers on the importance of promoting peace and unity.
Clerics support for Samia
Religious leaders and Retired presidents while speaking at Magufuli’s last farewell ceremony held in Chato in March 2021, they clerics promised to give President Samia full support and cooperation, Citizen reported.
