Stephen Wasira, Vice Chairman of Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) for Mainland Tanzania, has called on Tanzanians to be vigilant in safeguarding the nation's peace from political forces seeking to destabilize the country.
Speaking during an internal meeting with party leaders from Tabora Urban and Uyui Districts on April 15, 2025, Wasira emphasized that the peace Tanzania enjoys today is not the property of any political party but a valuable asset belonging to all citizens, which must be protected at all costs.
Wasira condemned political groups pushing for absolute freedom at the expense of stability, stating, "Freedom without peace is meaningless."
He warned that certain political elements are using the concept of freedom as a tool to provoke chaos, underlining, "When we say the country is secure, we truly mean it. And for those who think they can shake us, we are here to tell them they cannot."
The CCM leader reinforced the party's fundamental role in guiding the country's future. He referred to the Constitution's Article 5, which states that the primary responsibility of CCM is to win elections and hold government power.
"We must control the government because the transformational changes we are driving for the betterment of our people cannot happen without holding power," Wasira declared.
Wasira also expressed concern about the potential consequences of entrusting political power to parties that tolerate violence and instability.
He referenced a disturbing incident in Njombe, where a female party member was brutally attacked, including suffering broken ribs.
"How can a party that condones such violence be trusted with power? If you hand over authority to them, you risk losing the peace we’ve worked so hard to build," he warned.
The Vice Chairman concluded with a strong message about the fragility of peace, urging Tanzanians not to take it for granted.
"You may become accustomed to peace, but once it's gone, it’s difficult to restore. Look at our neighbors—where peace has been lost, it seldom returns. Even in areas where calm has returned, the wounds of vengeance remain, passed down from generation to generation. Do not be misled into underestimating the value of peace," Wasira cautioned.
