Tanzanians across the country are still struggling to recover from the financial and emotional toll of the violence that followed the October 29, 2025 General Election an experience that has pushed many to demand safer, more responsible approaches to resolving disputes.
Amid these calls, community elder Said Ally Mwegelo has urged the public to protect peace by relying on the country’s legal systems when pursuing their rights.
Mwegelo’s appeal reflects the concerns of ordinary citizens who were hardest hit by last month’s unrest. Fuel stations were burned, shops looted, and entertainment centers vandalized, leaving everyday business owners many of whom had no political involvement shouldering unexpected losses.
Their stories have become a reminder that when unrest erupts, it is the citizen, not the politician, who pays the highest price.
Speaking to reporters, Mwegelo said the focus must now shift to preventing such suffering from happening again.
He stressed that no grievance, however genuine, justifies destroying the property of innocent people or disrupting national stability.
“Peace is the foundation of every right we seek,” he said, warning that violence only deepens the wounds of the very communities people claim to defend.
His message resonates strongly with families now working to rebuild their lives. Many business owners say the destruction not only wiped out their income but also created fear and uncertainty within their neighborhoods. For them, the elder’s call for responsible action is a step toward restoring confidence and encouraging unity.
Mwegelo urged all citizens especially youths who are often mobilized during politically charged moments to reject calls that push them toward unlawful actions.
He encouraged anyone with claims or disputes to use Tanzania’s established legal mechanisms, which he said exist to ensure justice without putting the public at risk.
He also appealed to community leaders, civil society, and local institutions to help strengthen awareness about peaceful engagement.
According to him, building a culture of dialogue and respect for the law will protect both livelihoods and the country’s long-standing stability.
As the nation rebuilds, Mwegelo’s message reflects a broader public sentiment: when peace is protected, rights can be pursued effectively, and citizens can continue building their futures without fear of disruption.