Joseph Isangura
Tanzania’s Deputy President, Dr. Emmanuel Nchimbi, has called on citizens, social media activists and civil society groups to strengthen national unity and protect the country’s long-standing peace by replacing hostility and confrontation with dialogue and mutual respect.
Dr. Nchimbi made the appeal on Friday, July 24, 2026, during the 15th General Meeting of members of the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC), held at the Mlimani City Conference Centre in Dar es Salaam.
Addressing human rights defenders and other participants, the Deputy President said Tanzania’s future depends on the ability of different groups to engage in constructive discussions despite differences in political views, opinions or approaches.
He said he envisions a country where government leaders, activists and other stakeholders can sit together peacefully to discuss national development issues without hatred, hostility or personal attacks.
Dr. Nchimbi emphasized that disagreement should not become a reason for division, arguing that democratic societies grow stronger when citizens are able to express different perspectives while maintaining respect for one another.
As an example of the kind of national environment he hopes to see, the Deputy President mentioned the possibility of being publicly seen in dialogue with activist Maria Sarungi, saying such a moment would demonstrate that differences in opinion do not have to create permanent conflict.
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“I wish that one day people will see me sitting with Maria Sarungi and say, ‘They are discussing issues about their country and they are at peace; there is no hostility or hatred.’ That is the kind of nation I want us to build,” Dr. Nchimbi said.
His remarks come amid wider debates in Tanzania about the role of social media activism, public criticism and the relationship between government institutions and civil society organizations.
In recent years, digital platforms have become important spaces for citizens to debate political, social and economic issues. However, they have also generated concerns over misinformation, online hostility and growing divisions between groups with different viewpoints.
Dr. Nchimbi urged Tanzanians to use communication platforms responsibly and ensure that public discussions contribute to national progress rather than deepen disagreements.
The THRDC meeting brought together human rights defenders and stakeholders from different parts of the country to discuss issues affecting civic space, human rights protection and cooperation between state institutions and civil society.
The Deputy President’s message highlighted the importance of collaboration between government and non-government actors in addressing national challenges, noting that development requires participation from different sectors of society.
Political analysts say the call for dialogue reflects a broader challenge facing many African democracies, where governments and civil society groups often struggle to balance criticism, accountability and national cohesion.
For Tanzania, which has long promoted itself as a country built on peace and stability, maintaining social harmony while allowing open debate remains a key national conversation.
Dr. Nchimbi’s appeal therefore places emphasis on a model of engagement where political differences and public disagreements can exist without turning into personal conflicts.
As Tanzania continues to navigate social and political changes, the Deputy President said the country’s greatest strength should remain unity among its people, regardless of their different views and backgrounds.
