Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability across Tanzania, emphasizing that peace is fundamental to achieving national development and preventing social unrest.
Majaliwa made the remarks on Sunday while representing President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan at the closing of the East African Peace Conference held at Mirongo Primary School grounds in Mwanza. The forum was organised by The Islamic Foundation.
“Let me make it clear without peace, there can be no meaningful progress. This conference has given you the platform to reflect on the value of peace, which we consistently see being promoted by religious leaders across the country. Let us continue to uphold this national virtue,” he said.
The Premier urged Tanzanians to confront the growing erosion of moral values, especially among the youth, warning that the trend could jeopardise social cohesion if not addressed.
“This issue must feature prominently in your meetings and public forums. Every religious leader should make moral uprightness a recurring theme in their sermons. It must become a standing agenda,” he said.
Majaliwa partly attributed the moral decline to the negative influence of foreign cultures and technological change, saying: “It’s become normal for young people to refer to elders disrespectfully. This is unacceptable. Leaders must step in and guide young people on appropriate conduct so we can nurture a generation that upholds values.”
He further highlighted President Samia’s 4Rs philosophy Resilience, Reconciliation, Reforms, and Rebuilding as a key framework that has anchored Tanzania’s peaceful and stable trajectory.
“This philosophy has provided a strong foundation for protecting our nation’s peace. Under her leadership, Tanzania has remained calm, united, and secure,” he said.
The Prime Minister also called on the public and national institutions to embrace dialogue and reconciliation when addressing differences.
“We must foster a society that respects diverse opinions. We need more spaces for dialogue, and in that spirit, leaders, institutions, and citizens should become bridges of reconciliation, not sources of division,” he said.
Speaking at the same event, The Islamic Foundation Chairperson, Aref Nahdi, pledged the continued support of faith-based organisations in promoting justice, peace, equality, and national unity.
He said the institutions would remain vocal in condemning inflammatory statements that threaten peace or disrespect national leaders. “Doing so is part of our religious obligation,” Nahdi said.
The conference brought together religious leaders, civil society actors, youth representatives and government officials from across the region to explore strategies for strengthening peace, dialogue, and moral values in East Africa.