Tanzania is set to embark on a national dialogue process aimed at fostering peace and unity, Deputy President Emmanuel Nchimbi has announced. The initiative, championed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, seeks to create an open platform where citizens can express their views and contribute to building an inclusive and stable nation.
Speaking during a press briefing, Nchimbi emphasized that the dialogue reflects President Suluhu’s commitment to ensuring that every Tanzanian feels heard and valued. “It is the mission of President Suluhu to ensure the government begins dialogue for everyone to be heard and promote peace and unity,” he said.
According to Nchimbi, the government views dialogue as vital in addressing emerging political, social, and economic challenges. He urged leaders and citizens alike to engage constructively once the framework is officially launched in the coming weeks.
The announcement follows widespread unrest after the October elections, in which President Suluhu was declared the winner with 98 percent of the vote. Opposition parties, many of which were barred from contesting, dismissed the results as illegitimate, calling the polls a “sham.”
In the aftermath, violent protests erupted across several regions, leading to clashes with security forces. Various reports suggest that hundreds of people were killed, though the government has downplayed the scale of the violence. At least 240 individuals have since been charged with treason in Dar es Salaam for allegedly inciting demonstrations aimed at obstructing the election process.
President Suluhu has condemned the violence, saying it does not reflect the character of Tanzanians. She also claimed that some of those involved in the riots came from outside the country.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi held discussions with Tanzanian Foreign Minister Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo to ensure the safety of Kenyans living and working in Tanzania.
The African Union has since stated that the election did not meet its democratic standards, further intensifying calls for transparency and reform in Tanzania’s governance.
