Residents in Dar es Salaam are calling on young people across the country to exercise greater responsibility when engaging with social media content, warning that misinformation has the power to destabilize communities and disrupt everyday life.
Speaking from his home in Tandika Mabatini, long-time resident Mr. Ally Bomba Omar expressed deep concern about how quickly false information spread during the period surrounding the October 29, 2025 General Election.
At 76, he described the experience as unprecedented in the country’s history of peace and order.
“In the Tanzania I grew up in, people valued harmony and took time to understand issues before reacting,” he said.
“What happened recently showed how dangerous it can be when rumours go unchallenged and young people act on messages that are not verified.”he added
Mr. Bomba recalled how the unrest affected ordinary households, especially low-income families who depend on small daily purchases to survive.
With shops shut down and movement restricted, he said citizens felt the pressure immediately.
“For people like us who buy half a kilo of flour at a time, the situation was unbearable. Even if you had a little money, you couldn’t buy anything because businesses were closed,” he said.
He emphasized that the country’s youth, who form the majority of social media users, have a crucial role to play in protecting the nation from the consequences of misinformation.
He warned that certain groups exploit online platforms to draw young people into illegal demonstrations or disruptive activities without regard for their safety or the nation’s wellbeing.
“Young people must think critically before joining any group or responding to online calls. Harmful groups will mislead you, and it is always ordinary citizens who suffer the most when chaos erupts,” he said.
Mr. Bomba stressed that safeguarding Tanzania’s stability requires continuous education on digital literacy and responsible citizenship.
He encouraged community leaders, parents, and institutions to guide young people in verifying information, understanding consequences, and prioritizing peace.
“Peace is the foundation of development,” he said. “If we allow misinformation to push us into disorder, we all pay the price. But if young people choose unity and caution, the whole country moves forward.”