Tanzanian youths have been urged to safeguard the country's peace and avoid participating in demonstrations that could turn violent and disrupt social and economic activities.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam, several residents said peace remains the foundation of national development and called on young people to play an active role in preserving it for the benefit of both present and future generations.
A resident of Kigogo, Mtalemwa Simon, warned that protests accompanied by violence could have serious consequences for citizens and the country as a whole. He said such incidents could disrupt businesses, halt transport services, increase the prices of essential goods due to supply chain interruptions, and damage public infrastructure, forcing the government to spend significant resources on repairs.
"Peace is the foundation of development. As young people, we must protect the peace of our country," he said.
Another Dar es Salaam resident, Kamugisha Daniel, urged young people not to participate in demonstrations that could result in destruction or economic losses. He noted that the effects of violence are ultimately borne by ordinary citizens, making it essential for youths to encourage one another to reject actions that threaten national stability.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Maliki, also a resident of Kigogo, advised young people to avoid being influenced by groups or individuals who may encourage them to engage in unlawful activities. Instead, he encouraged them to focus on taking advantage of opportunities in education, employment, entrepreneurship and business, which flourish in a peaceful and stable environment.
He said peace creates a favourable climate for investment, economic growth and job creation, allowing young people to improve their livelihoods and contribute to the country's development.
The call echoes similar appeals made by government leaders, religious leaders, traditional elders and various community groups, who have consistently urged Tanzanians to maintain peace and resolve disagreements through lawful and peaceful means.
The appeals also come against the backdrop of the unrest witnessed in October 2025, when violence disrupted economic and social activities in several areas, damaged infrastructure and caused property losses, highlighting the importance of preserving peace and national stability.
Observers say maintaining peace remains critical for sustaining economic progress, attracting investment and ensuring that young people can fully benefit from the growing opportunities available across different sectors of the economy.
