Chief Imam of Mtambani Mosque, Sheikh Shabani Pembe, has urged Tanzanians to safeguard the country’s peace and stability, warning that the unrest witnessed around the October 2025 General Election could have had far-reaching consequences had it not been contained.
Addressing Muslim faithful in Dar es Salaam, Pembe said citizens should assess the events surrounding the election period with fairness and objectivity, arguing that public debate should take into account both the causes and potential consequences of the violence reported in several areas.
He cited incidents involving the destruction of public and private property, including transport infrastructure, police facilities, automated teller machines (ATMs) and business premises, saying the events highlighted the risks that instability poses to national security and economic activity.
“The preservation of peace is a collective responsibility. When evaluating what happened, Tanzanians should do so with fairness and consider what the country could have faced had such incidents been allowed to escalate,” he said.
Pembe stressed that peace remains one of Tanzania’s most valuable assets, noting that social harmony enables citizens to conduct business, access services and practice their faith without disruption.
He further argued that periods of unrest often affect ordinary citizens the most, particularly low-income families and small business owners whose livelihoods are vulnerable to disruptions caused by violence and insecurity.
The cleric also weighed in on ongoing discussions regarding commissions established to examine events before and after the 2025 General Election, calling on Tanzanians to support efforts aimed at finding lasting solutions to political and social challenges through dialogue and established institutions.
According to Pembe, Tanzania’s strength lies in its ability to resolve differences through consultation, wisdom and respect for the rule of law rather than confrontation.
His remarks come amid continuing national conversations on political reconciliation, social cohesion and the importance of maintaining peace as the country reflects on the events surrounding the 2025 electoral process.
