Former secretary general of the Organsation of African Unity, Dr Salim Ahmed Salim exechanges views with Tanzania Labour Party chairman Augustino Mrema (centre) and United Democratic Party chairman John Cheyo (left) during the closing of a symposium organised by the Tanzania Centre for Democracy (TCD) in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday. The function was also graced by President Jakaya Kikwete.
Dar es Salaam. President Jakaya Kikwete has warned that Tanzania may soon plunge into serious chaos unless serious steps are taken to change the situation.He however stated that the government and its agencies would not tolerate anybody who interferes with peace in the country, calling on all peace-loving citizens to join hands against any form of chaos.
The President issued the warning when he officiated at the closure of a symposium organised by the Tanzania Centre for Democracy (TCD) to discuss the security situation in the country in the city on Wednesday.
“There are clear indications that if no efforts are put in place, Tanzania is likely to end up in a situation where only the United Nations peace organs may come to our rescue,” he warned.
He said the country was experiencing chaos more so at worshipping places, a situation that never existed in the past.
According to the President, some people hiding behind political, religious and ethnic affiliations were ready to tear the country apart.
In what could be seen as a direct reference to the Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema), President Kikwete said it was unfortunate that some groups of people were working to form their own ‘forces’ parallel to the government’s law enforcing organs.
“Why train your own defence force if you are not attempting to stabilise the existing peace in the country?” he wondered.
Chadema on Tuesday announced the formation of defence units to maitain peace and security in its operations.
Party chairman Freeman Mbowe told a news conference in the city that the opposition party has been compelled to form the unit for the purpose self-defence and sustainance of peace.
He said the party reached the decision following frequent disruption of its political rallies.
According to Mbowe, the move would involve training party youths in martial arts and other combat tactics.
But addressing participants of the symposium, President Kikwete cautioned that the government will not allow any other force to operate in the country. He said any grievances should be solved amicably through public debates.
He said access to justice by all citizens could facilitate efforts by the government and other key stakeholders to safeguard the existing peace and harmony in the country.
President Kikwete thanked TCD for efforts to organise discussions on peace, saying: “It is now or never... we are able to sit together as Tanzanians to discuss the matter and those who boycott such meetings must have a hidden agenda”. He called on the public to join hands in peace initiatives, adding that the government would constantly meet other stakeholders to discuss the way forward in maintaining peace in the country. The President said the government will work on recommendations of the meeting and give feed feedback on what it has or plans to do.
