The Foundation for Disabilities Hope (FDH) has urged Tanzanians to strengthen efforts to protect and promote peace, warning that instability would disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities.
FDH Executive Director Maiko Salali said peace was essential to Tanzania’s security, economic progress and social wellbeing, urging citizens and community leaders to treat its protection as a shared responsibility.
Mr Salali made the call in Dodoma during a seminar organised to equip leaders of Tanzania Peace Family with knowledge on peace and patriotism so they can serve as peace ambassadors in their communities.
He said FDH was ready to work with Tanzania Peace Family and other stakeholders to strengthen peace-building initiatives across the country.
“FDH is ready to work with Tanzania Peace Family and contribute resources, knowledge and strength to ensure that we work together to protect our peace,” Mr Salali said.
He said people with disabilities could be among those most affected when peace and security were disrupted, making their inclusion in peace-building efforts particularly important.
Mr Salali urged peace advocates not to relent in their efforts, saying a stable environment was necessary for Tanzanians to pursue economic activities, access social services and contribute to national development.
He also encouraged young people to learn from experienced leaders and use the knowledge they gain to promote peace and patriotism, saying this would help preserve a safe environment for future generations.
Tanzania Peace Family National Coordinator Matrona Remigeus Severine said the organisation was committed to contributing to the resolution of religious, political and social conflicts.
She said leaders needed to understand patriotism before engaging communities in peace-building initiatives, describing patriotism as an important foundation for responsible leadership and conflict prevention.
Ms Severine said the seminar was intended to prepare Tanzania Peace Family leaders to become effective ambassadors for peace and patriotism in their respective communities.
She further called for stronger cooperation among civil society organisations, community leaders and other stakeholders, saying collective action was necessary to safeguard Tanzania’s peace.
She said such efforts would also demonstrate that Tanzanians were committed to taking responsibility for protecting the peace that has enabled communities across the country to pursue social and economic development.