President Samia Suluhu Hassan has said peace and security are indispensable to Tanzania's development ambitions, warning that the country's economic progress and major infrastructure investments can only be sustained in a stable environment.
Speaking on Monday after laying the foundation stone for the Tabora-Kigoma Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) section and commissioning four cargo vessels at Kigoma Port, the President said safeguarding national peace must remain a collective responsibility.
She said the government will continue investing in strategic infrastructure projects to stimulate economic growth and improve connectivity, but stressed that their success ultimately depends on maintaining peace and security.
"Peace and security are our highest priority and should never be taken for granted. Once they are disrupted, development cannot flourish or deliver meaningful benefits to the people," President Samia said.
She urged Tanzanians, particularly residents of Kigoma, to uphold unity and remain vigilant against individuals or groups seeking to undermine the country's stability.
According to the President, protecting peace is not solely the responsibility of security agencies but of every citizen, as a secure environment is essential for attracting investment, creating jobs and sustaining economic growth.
She also cautioned citizens against allowing themselves to be manipulated into activities that could threaten national cohesion, saying safeguarding the country's stability is fundamental to protecting the gains achieved through development.
President Samia said continued peace and security will enable Tanzania to implement transformative projects such as the SGR, modernise transport infrastructure and strengthen the country's position as a regional trade and investment hub.
Her remarks came as the government advanced two major transport initiatives in Kigoma the construction of the SGR line connecting the Lake Tanganyika region to the national rail network and the launch of four cargo vessels expected to enhance freight movement across the lake and support regional trade.
