Prime Minister Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba has warned that foreign funding and organised misinformation campaigns are targeting Tanzania’s stability, urging citizens to remain vigilant as the government works to ease tensions following last month’s unrest in Arumeru.
Addressing residents at Magufuli Leganga Grounds in Usa River on Sunday, Dr. Nchemba said intelligence reports show that some young Tanzanians abroad have been paid to incite chaos, threatening national cohesion and economic progress.
“Millions of dollars are being channelled to create disorder,” he said. “Those financing this turmoil do not care about our people. Their objective is to destabilise countries with valuable natural resources.”
The Prime Minister said recent discoveries of strategic minerals including an estimated 890,000 tonnes of uranium, the largest known deposit in Africa have increased global attention on Tanzania.
He said this has historically been a trigger for foreign-driven conflict in several African countries.
“They spark internal conflict, wait for resources to run out, and then leave,” Dr. Nchemba said. “We must not fall into that trap.”
He added that Tanzania’s abundant natural gas reserves and major upcoming energy projects position the country to become a regional economic leader, making peace and unity even more critical.
Dr. Nchemba visited several sites damaged in the October 29 disturbances, including Kikatiti Police Station, Maji ya Chai Primary Court, and a Total Energies station that was torched and looted.
He warned that any return to violence would jeopardise development projects outlined in the CCM manifesto and pledged by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
“We cannot build roads, ensure water supply, or create jobs in an environment of unrest,” he said. “Choosing violence is choosing poverty.”
The Prime Minister also announced that President Samia has directed police to step back from searching for Bishop Dr. Josephat Gwajima, saying the move is meant to lower tensions and support ongoing reconciliation efforts with religious and traditional leaders.
“This is a moment to bring the country together,” he said. “We have engaged TEC, faith leaders and community elders because unity is the strongest defence against destabilisation.”
Dr. Nchemba reminded residents that even short periods of instability can have a direct economic impact, particularly in agricultural areas like Ngarenanyuki.
“When there is unrest, farmers cannot sell carrots, tomatoes, and other produce,” he said. “Peace is not just a slogan it determines whether families earn an income.”
The Prime Minister urged Tanzanians nationwide to reject online propaganda, political manipulation, and calls for confrontation.
“Our country is on the verge of major economic transformation,” he said. “We must protect that progress by safeguarding peace.”