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| Spiritual Leader Augustine Tengwa says it is time for political parties to prioritize peace overpower struggles. Photo: Courtesy |
By Charles Mkoka
Dar es Salaam – In a bold and heartfelt address to the nation, Reverend Augustine B. Tengwa, who serves both as a priest and a leading figure in spiritual services, called on Tanzanians to safeguard the peace and unity that the country has long enjoyed. Speaking on October 11, 2024, during a press conference in Dar es Salaam, he emphasized that Tanzania stands as a unique nation where people of all major faiths coexist peacefully, and this harmony must be preserved at all costs.
"Tanzania is the only country where people of all major religions live in peace, and this is a gift from God that must be protected at any cost," he declared, urging for collective responsibility in maintaining national unity.
However, Tengwa also voiced concerns about certain individuals in positions of authority abusing their power. Without holding back, he condemned actions such as disappearances and killings, which he said are unjustly blamed on the president, when, in reality, those responsible are acting without her knowledge.
“There are those entrusted by the President, yet they misuse their positions. They’re the ones doing foolish things, abducting people, causing deaths, and then we blame the President. Sometimes the President isn’t even aware of these actions. There are thugs, ignorant and corrupt individuals, who are responsible for these atrocities, and everyone must denounce them through prayer,” he emphasized passionately.
Tengwa further described Tanzania as "God’s chosen nation," likening it to an olive tree that holds spiritual significance for other nations. He highlighted the importance of personal accountability, urging Tanzanians not to rely solely on the government but to take initiative for the country's progress.
“God will not bless you if you’re constantly complaining about progress. Do your part, just as I do mine, and you will remove the bitterness from your heart,” Tengwa urged.
Reflecting on a prayer conference held last year to support the President, Tengwa expressed frustration with critics who opposed praying for national leaders. He stressed the importance of offering prayers for leaders, as instructed by scripture, and criticized those who fail to pray but are quick to complain.
"Last year, we organized a prayer gathering for the President. People were upset with us for praying for him, yet the scriptures say, 'Pray for the peace of your leaders.' The President is doing his part, and those under him must act justly. If they commit silent atrocities, and the blame falls on the President, how is that fair?" he questioned.
He called on the nation to pray fervently for peace, warning that it is invaluable and cannot be achieved through violence. Comparing Tanzania to a peaceful island, Tengwa cautioned against those who seek to disrupt the country’s stability, drawing parallels to conflicts in Ukraine, Israel, and Libya, where women and children have suffered the most.
“Tanzania is like an island right now, standing alone. It is being hunted by bad actors who want to provoke unrest. Let’s not end up like Zelensky in Ukraine, or the situation in Israel with Hamas, or Libya. When trouble comes, it’s the women and children who suffer most, those who don’t even know how the conflict started,” he said sternly.
Tengwa concluded by urging Tanzanians to uphold patriotism and maintain peace, stressing that online discourse should not jeopardize the country's unity. He warned that entering future elections with bloodshed would be catastrophic for the nation.
"Seek peace for your country; the miracles you seek will not help if you don’t wish peace for your leaders. Even if they entered office through questionable means, wish them peace. God knows what He will do. The key is to carry the President in your prayers so that he makes the right decisions. If you don’t pray and he makes decisions you dislike, what will complaining or posting insults online achieve?" he asked pointedly.
The message, Tengwa emphasized, is urgent and should not be taken lightly. He acknowledged the considerable effort and resources invested in delivering this warning to all Tanzanians, clarifying that the intention was not for personal economic gain.
Also addressing the conference, Prophet Alpha Kihamba shared spiritual revelations, urging all Tanzanians to embrace their God-given roles and pray diligently, without being divided by religious differences.
“Each Tanzanian must stand in their God-given place and pray, regardless of denomination, faith, or community,” Prophet Kihamba said, emphasizing that ignoring this call could put both Tanzania and Kenya at grave risk.
Agness Bruno, another member of the ministry, echoed the call for national unity and awareness, drawing from a vision they had received concerning potential bloodshed in the region. She warned of the risks posed by internal conflicts, urging Tanzanians to value each other’s lives to prevent unnecessary violence.
“As a mother, I stand in my place with the grace God has given me. I am not just a mother to Tanzania but to all nations that God has called me to serve spiritually,” she said, urging the nation to avoid being drawn into the path of internal violence.
Bruno further warned that God had revealed that the nation was not safe and urged all citizens to pray for their leaders so that they uphold justice and make righteous decisions to spare the nation from a great judgment.
“As a mother, God has given me grace. I am valuable to Samia, and Samia is valuable to me. Everyone has their role, and God’s respect must remain in place,” she declared, calling for mutual respect among Tanzanians.
The press conference, according to the ministry, was part of a series of warnings and messages previously delivered, including predictions concerning floods in Rufiji, landslides in Hanang, and the tragic deaths of children in Arusha. The ministry gained prominence for holding press conferences in past years, notably speaking out against acts of homosexuality in the country.
