MWE Correspondent
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has called on political parties across Tanzania to meet, reflect and find common ground following the tensions that gripped the nation after recent unrest.
Opening the 13th session of the Parliament in Dodoma on November 14, she said the country must address disagreements through dialogue rooted in its own culture, traditions and long-standing norms.
In her address, President Samia emphasized that reconciliation is not something that can be forced from outside, but rather built by Tanzanians themselves. She urged political leaders to examine honestly where they may have gone wrong and to work toward restoring trust among citizens.
The President also delivered a strong and emotional message to young people, urging them not to allow themselves to be drawn into actions that could destabilize the nation. She noted that many youths involved in the October 29 unrest were simply swept along by crowds without understanding the gravity of their actions.
“My children, if we as your parents had acted this way in the past, we wouldn’t have the peace and progress you see today,” she said. “Do not burn your own country. Do not cut the branch you are sitting on. Do not destroy the nation you have helped to build.”
Also Read; Tanzania Appoints Mwigulu Nchemba as New Prime Minister
President Samia extended condolences to the families who lost loved ones and acknowledged the suffering caused by the violence. She also announced the formation of a special investigation team that will look into the causes of the unrest and identify whether state institutions, community structures or political actors may have contributed to the escalation.
She reminded citizens that safeguarding national harmony is a shared responsibility, not one that rests solely on leaders. Young people, she said, must become protectors of stability by understanding their role in building peace — a principle widely recognized in global discussions about the role of youth in conflict prevention.
Her message comes at a tense moment for the country, with many citizens still unsettled by the post-election atmosphere. By using the parliamentary opening to focus on reconciliation rather than politics, President Samia signaled her intention to usher the country toward healing, reflection and responsible civic participation.
