A group of elders from Dar es Salaam has urged young people not to participate in demonstrations planned for July 7, saying Tanzania's political differences should be resolved through legal and constitutional processes while preserving the country's peace and stability.
Addressing a press conference on Friday, July 3, the elders said the country had enjoyed decades of peace and that citizens should use established democratic institutions, including the General Election, to pursue political change.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Ms Rehema Nyadundo said there was no justification for encouraging young people to join demonstrations when the country remained peaceful.
She said citizens dissatisfied with the current leadership should express their views through the ballot box rather than through street protests.
She also called on authorities to enforce the law against anyone involved in unlawful acts during demonstrations and urged parents to guide their children against engaging in activities that could violate the law.
"There is no reason for our youth to be persuaded to participate in demonstrations while the country continues to enjoy peace and stability. If people are dissatisfied with the leadership, they should wait for the General Election and make their choice through the democratic process," she said.
Another elder, Mr Benjamin Ndauka, appealed to young people to safeguard national peace and avoid being influenced into actions that could trigger violence or public disorder.
He said Tanzania's development achievements should encourage citizens to preserve stability, arguing that progress in infrastructure and social services was evident across the country.
"Those who engage in violent protests come from our own families. I have only one country—Tanzania. Our tradition is one of peace and development. Anyone who doubts the progress that has been made should visit different parts of the country and see the hospitals, schools, markets and roads that have been built," Mr Ndauka said.
Mr Juma Mikoba said some people were attempting to replicate protest movements seen in other parts of the world, arguing that Tanzania should instead continue to prioritise peaceful coexistence and development.
The elders concluded by calling on young people to remain guardians of national unity, saying political differences should be addressed through lawful and constitutional means while protecting the peace that has underpinned the country's development.
