Retired Colonel Joseph Leon Simbakalia has urged religious leaders across all denominations in Tanzania to take a leading role in uniting the nation and promoting forgiveness, describing these values as crucial for sustaining national unity, cooperation, and social cohesion.
“Spiritual leaders have a vital role. First, they should guide us in self-reflection and correction. Second, they must foster a culture of forgiveness, which is central to their responsibility of bringing people together. It is important they dedicate at least one day for collective prayers to strengthen the unity we share as a nation,” Simbakalia said.
He made the remarks on Thursday, April 2, 2026, during an interview on Channel Ten in Dar es Salaam, noting that Tanzania’s peace, solidarity, and unity over the past 60 years were built and nurtured by the country’s founders.
He emphasized that it is the responsibility of every Tanzanian to maintain and build upon these values for the benefit of both current and future generations.
Simbakalia spoke as the country, under the sixth-phase government, moves towards a period of national reconciliation.
Religious leaders were highlighted as key bridges in healing social, political, and emotional divisions, given that places of worship bring together people from diverse backgrounds regardless of their political affiliations.
As the nation concludes the Lenten season and prepares for Easter celebrations, he called on religious leaders to use this occasion to promote forgiveness and love, which he said are essential foundations for national unity, social harmony, and sustainable development.
