Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has said that recent unrest and violent incidents in parts of the country were fuelled by individuals from outside Tanzania.
In an address to the nation, President Suluhu expressed sorrow over the loss of lives, destruction of property, and disruption of peace witnessed in several cities and towns.
She described the events as uncharacteristic of Tanzanians, emphasizing that the violence did not reflect the country’s values of peace, unity, and solidarity.
“What happened does not reflect the image and character of Tanzanians — it is not the true spirit of Tanzania. It did not surprise us to learn that some of the young people arrested in connection with those riots came from outside the country,” she said.
The President added that security and defence agencies are closely monitoring the situation, conducting investigations, and working to restore normalcy as quickly as possible.
She directed national, regional, and district defence and security committees to ensure that life returns to normal for citizens immediately.
President Suluhu called on Tanzanians to remain united and uphold the country’s long-standing ideology of peace and solidarity.
“Our responsibility is to build our nation and make our tomorrow better than our yesterday. Let us continue to uphold our ideology of unity and solidarity,” she said.
She urged citizens to reject violence and value the stability that Tanzania has enjoyed for decades.
“My fellow citizens, we all wish this country well, and we are deeply saddened and troubled by the consequences of the destruction of peace, the loss of lives, and the damage to both public and private property,” she said.
The President also noted that her counterparts, the Presidents of Zambia and Burundi, who were present during the event, had cautioned that internal unrest brings no benefit and only harms a country.
“In their speeches here today, the Presidents of Zambia and Burundi have emphasized that internal unrest in a country is not good — it has no price, no value, and brings no benefit to anyone,” she stated.
She concluded by appealing to citizens to protect and nurture the peace Tanzania is known for.
“Therefore, my fellow citizens, I urge you all to cherish and maintain the peace, unity, and stability of our nation,” she said.
