The recent disturbances in Dar es Salaam’s Kimara area on October 29, 2025, served as a stark reminder of how essential peace and stability are to the daily lives of Tanzanians.
Residents and small-scale workers have welcomed the swift actions of the government and security agencies in restoring calm, emphasizing that peace is the backbone of economic and social wellbeing.
Shaban Moshi Shaban, a motorcycle taxi (bodaboda) operator at Kimara Mwisho, said the unrest disrupted not only transport services but also the livelihoods of ordinary citizens who rely on daily earnings.
“Our work depends on the freedom to move and provide services. When disturbances occur, it is the small businesses and ordinary people who suffer first,” Moshi said.
The curfew imposed by the police from 6:00 p.m. and other movement restrictions significantly limited operating hours for bodaboda riders, who normally serve passengers around the clock.
The disruption also coincided with a sharp rise in fuel prices, with petrol reaching TZS 15,000 per litre, forcing transport operators to increase fares, which in turn reduced customer demand.
“The combination of higher fuel costs and limited working hours made it very difficult for us. Many customers were unable to pay, and some avoided traveling altogether,” Moshi explained.
Residents argue that peace is more than just security; it is a foundation for economic activity and community development.
Moshi noted that when calm prevails, markets operate normally, businesses thrive, children attend school, and families can plan for the future with confidence.
The return of normalcy has seen streets, markets, and public transport services regain their usual rhythm, allowing communities to resume their daily activities.
Residents have also highlighted the need for continued civic awareness, constructive dialogue, and adherence to lawful procedures when addressing grievances, to prevent similar disruptions in the future.
“Peace is not only a national achievement it is what enables Tanzanians to work, earn, and live with dignity,” Moshi concluded.
As Kimara residents rebuild their routines, their reflections underscore a vital lesson: sustainable livelihoods depend on a secure and stable environment, and every citizen has a role in preserving it.