MWANZA: Tanzanian leaders and religious figures on Wednesday highlighted the role of interfaith cooperation in maintaining national unity and social stability, as an organisation promoting reconciliation marked a decade of activities.
The anniversary event for the Tanzania Community for Reconciliation and Peace (JMAT) brought together government officials, faith leaders and civil society representatives in the lakeside city of Mwanza to reflect on efforts to strengthen dialogue between religious communities.
Speaking on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan during the National Reconciliation Day commemoration, Mwanza Regional Commissioner Said Mtanda praised the organisation for promoting harmony and supporting national peace since its establishment in 2015.
The event was held under the theme “National reconciliation and peace are the foundation of Tanzania’s aspirations; let us remain steadfast.”
Mtanda said the government would continue to work closely with religious leaders and reconciliation initiatives to promote social cohesion and support development.
“I urge you to continue supporting the government while upholding unity, peace and reconciliation so that together we can realise our national development goals,” he said.
He added that cooperation between religious leaders and state institutions remains vital for strengthening national stability and advancing development efforts.
Promoting unity beyond religious differences
Over the past decade, the Tanzania Community for Reconciliation and Peace has organised dialogue forums, national prayers and community outreach programmes aimed at promoting tolerance among different faith groups.
The organisation has also participated in environmental conservation campaigns, blood donation drives and seminars on patriotism and peaceful coexistence.
JMAT chairperson Sheikh Alhadi Salum described the organisation as a platform for strengthening national identity beyond religious differences.
“Our unity as Tanzanians must come before our differences of faith,” Salum said, adding that the organisation rejects attempts to use religion to spread hatred or division.
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He also dismissed claims that the interfaith initiative promotes the blending of religions, saying its goal is dialogue and cooperation rather than doctrinal integration.
“It is our responsibility to protect our country and reject anyone who seeks to undermine our unity and peace,” he said.
Community representatives also praised the organisation’s contribution to conflict prevention and reconciliation.
Speaking on behalf of Maasai elders, JMAT central committee member Isaack Ole-Kisongo said the group’s work had helped strengthen stability in communities across the country.
He called on authorities to consider providing additional support to enable community-level leaders to participate more actively in reconciliation programmes.
Former speaker of the National Assembly of Tanzania, Anne Makinda, who serves on the organisation’s ethics committee, said peace and social stability are essential foundations for development.
She encouraged citizens to contribute to national progress through responsible participation in social and economic activities.
Makinda also highlighted the importance of aligning reconciliation initiatives with the country’s long-term development planning, including the review of the Tanzania Development Vision 2050.
Legacy of national unity
Also speaking at the event, Joseph Butiku, head of the Mwalimu Nyerere Foundation board, said the principles of justice and equality championed by Tanzania’s founding president Julius Nyerere remain central to the country’s tradition of religious tolerance.
“Every Tanzanian deserves equal rights and opportunities regardless of religion or ethnicity,” Butiku said.
Participants at the anniversary said continued dialogue among religious leaders, government institutions and communities will be key to preserving Tanzania’s longstanding reputation for peaceful coexistence in a region that has experienced periodic sectarian tensions.
The celebrations concluded with calls for citizens to remain vigilant in protecting unity and reconciliation as pillars of national stability and development.