Dodoma, Tanzania – The Minister of State in the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), Mohamed Mchengerwa, has issued a firm directive to Regional Commissioners (RCs) and District Commissioners (DCs), urging them to actively engage in resolving conflicts and upholding the pillars of peace, justice, and national unity.
Speaking in Parliament during the conclusion of the 2024/25 budget debate for PO-RALG and its affiliated institutions including the Teachers' Service Commission, regional administrations, and local government authorities Mchengerwa emphasized the critical role of local leadership in maintaining national stability.
“I want to give a clear message to all Regional and District Commissioners: your responsibility goes beyond administration. You must lead efforts to protect peace, foster national cohesion, and ensure the effective functioning of government at the local level,” Mchengerwa said.
He stressed that RCs and DCs must not remain idle in the face of community tensions or emerging disputes.
Instead, they should act swiftly and decisively to prevent small issues from escalating into larger conflicts that could threaten national harmony.
“You are not bystanders in times of conflict you are the firefighters who must extinguish sparks before they become flames. Be defenders of justice, unity, and development. Our country’s peace begins with strong, responsible leadership at the grassroots level,” he asserted.
The minister further urged the commissioners to “light the torch of community protection” and prioritize early intervention in resolving disputes.
He reminded them that true leadership is demonstrated through action, especially in challenging times.
According to Mchengerwa, waiting for directives from central government is not an option when local tensions arise.
“Peace is safeguarded not from the top, but from the ground up. When local leaders act decisively and responsibly, they create a ripple effect that strengthens national unity,” he said.
His remarks come as the government intensifies efforts to empower local authorities and promote citizen-centered governance.
The goal, Mchengerwa noted, is to build a leadership culture that is responsive, accountable, and committed to the well-being of all Tanzanians.
The minister called on all RCs and DCs to embrace their roles not just as administrators, but as active guardians of peace and progress within their communities.
