President Samia Suluhu Hassan is committed to working closely with religious leaders as part of her inclusive leadership approach that seeks to unite Tanzanians of all faiths for the greater good of the nation, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Dr. Doto Biteko said yesterday.
Representing President Samia at the 32nd General Assembly of the Christian Council of Tanzania (CCT), Dr. Biteko said the Head of State appreciates the critical role played by religious institutions and believes in maintaining open lines of communication with faith leaders to ensure the country’s development journey is guided by shared values.
“President Samia strongly believes in dialogue. She doesn’t shut herself off or rely solely on the power of the state be it the Constitution, law enforcement, or the military,” said Dr. Biteko.
“Instead, she insists on keeping the doors of her administration open to faith leaders, because she leads a country of believers who hold their religious values dearly.”he added
The meeting, held in Dodoma, brought together 224 delegates representing member churches and Christian organizations under the CCT umbrella.
It offered a platform to discuss key national issues, including the role of religious institutions in maintaining peace and supporting Tanzania’s development agenda.
Dr. Biteko assured participants that the government recognizes and values the social and economic contributions made by religious organizations since independence, especially in critical sectors such as health and education.
“Research shows that faith-based organizations in Africa contribute between 30 and 70 percent of health sector services. Even globally, institutions such as Oxford University, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of KwaZulu-Natal trace their roots to religious foundations,” he noted.
He went on to commend the work of global Christian organizations like the World Council of Churches and World Vision, which offer humanitarian assistance across the globe, regardless of recipients’ religion, race, or background.
Paying tribute to the legacy of South African Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Dr. Biteko described him as a champion of peace, justice, and equality. “His efforts to dismantle apartheid and fight for human rights inspired not only South Africa but the entire world,” he said.
On the upcoming General Election slated for October 2025, Dr. Biteko responded to calls from CCT for domestic election observers by reaffirming the government’s commitment to transparency.
He noted that the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is expected to work with both domestic and international stakeholders but emphasized the importance of respecting the commission’s independence.
CCT Chairperson Bishop Dr. Fredrick Shoo applauded President Samia’s leadership and the government’s efforts to enhance democracy, including lifting bans on public gatherings and accelerating development projects across the country.
He warned against divisive politics as the election season approaches and emphasized the importance of moral integrity, peaceful campaigns, and national unity.
“Elections are a bridge to peace and development, not a source of conflict,” Bishop Shoo said. “We urge politicians to run respectful campaigns focused on national interest, and reject all forms of corruption and hate speech.”
He also urged the IEC to ensure fair and credible polls by cooperating with local observers. “We must protect our peace and stability at all costs.”
Bishop Shoo further called on the government to ease tax burdens and exempt religious aid from duties, to allow churches and other institutions to better serve communities through education, healthcare, and humanitarian work.
In his remarks, CCT Secretary General Rev. Dr. Moses Matonya said the council comprises 12 denominations and 14 Christian organizations.
He reaffirmed CCT’s commitment to supporting national development, emphasizing that the council remains a reliable partner to the government in advancing education, healthcare, and social welfare.
The assembly marked another step in strengthening collaboration between the state and religious institutions a partnership both sides believe is essential in building a peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive Tanzania.