COAST: Peace and tranquillity remain central to Tanzania’s stability and long-term development, with unity across political, religious and ethnic lines seen as essential to safeguarding the country’s future, a senior academic has said.
Professor Marcelina Chijoriga, head of the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Leadership School, made the remarks in an interview with state-run media, as the country awaits the findings of a commission of inquiry into unrest linked to the October 2025 general election.
She said reconciliation would be central to restoring trust and strengthening national resilience, drawing parallels with international examples such as South Africa’s post-apartheid Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
“Unity is not optional but essential for building an inclusive and sustainable economy,” she said, adding that reconciliation allows societies to address grievances, promote dialogue and move forward collectively.
Tanzania is still recovering from political tensions following the election, and the commission’s findings are expected to play a key role in shaping efforts to rebuild cohesion and reinforce peace.
Prof Chijoriga said genuine reconciliation requires willingness from all sides to listen, acknowledge past challenges and work towards shared solutions. She pointed to Kenya’s post-election reforms after the 2007 violence as another example of how dialogue and institutional responses can restore stability.
She also highlighted the role of religious and traditional leaders in mediating disputes and promoting unity at the community level, describing them as important actors in fostering trust and understanding.
The remarks come ahead of commemorations marking the birth anniversary of Julius Nyerere, whose philosophy of unity and collective responsibility continues to shape the country’s political and social outlook.
Prof Chijoriga said Nyerere consistently warned against divisions based on ethnicity, religion or ideology, arguing that social cohesion is critical for national progress and long-term peace.
“Division weakens cohesion and can threaten peace,” she said, adding that unity helps societies withstand both internal and external pressures while maintaining tranquillity.
Tanzania hosts Africa’s first global forum on cooperative law
She noted that cooperation at regional and continental levels, including through the East African Community and the African Union, demonstrates how shared goals can support development and resilience.
Prof Chijoriga also stressed the importance of inclusive governance, urging political leaders to prioritise national interests over narrow agendas. She said policies should reflect the needs of all citizens, including women and young people, to ensure balanced and sustainable progress.
Youth engagement, she added, is particularly important given Tanzania’s demographics. Creating structured opportunities for participation would help channel young people’s energy and innovation into productive sectors of the economy.
“Without unity, youth potential risks being fragmented or misdirected,” she said.
She also called for ethical leadership and stronger community-based systems to reinforce trust and accountability. Local initiatives, such as neighbourhood-level structures, can help build cooperation, improve communication and strengthen social cohesion among citizens.
Tanzania’s long-term development plans, including its Vision 2050 strategy, depend on sustained peace, good governance and unity, she added, warning that fragmentation could slow progress and weaken national resilience.
Prof Chijoriga urged citizens to reflect on shared national values, embrace dialogue and take collective responsibility for the country’s future.
“Unity, solidarity and shared responsibility remain the foundation of a peaceful, tranquil and prosperous nation,” she said.
