President Hichilema preaches peace, security and stability in Tanzania

President Hakainde Hichilema says peace, security and stability are necessary virtues which must be protected at all times. He said this at the inauguration of Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan in Dodoma today.

President Hichilema joined other foreign dignitaries at the event, who included presidents of Mozambique, Burundi, Somalia, and Kenya’s vice-president.

President Hichilema said the importance of peace, security and stability of Tanzania extend to other countries in the region.

“As we know, instability anywhere is instability everywhere. We do understand the importance of maintaining peace and stability in our individual countries.

“We do understand that if we lose peace in one country, we are all affected. The people of Tanzania know too well. In the struggle to seek to achieve independence in the southern African region, this struggle was anchored by Tanzania and Zambia, hosting liberation movements,” President Hichilema said.

He added that leaders “before us” knew the importance of ensuring that even neighbouring countries are liberated and peaceful.

“We know the value of peace, security and stability. I want to appeal to the people of Tanzania – mainland, Zanzibar, Pemba and others; what you have enjoyed for years must be protected at all costs. You cannot experiment the opposite – to have a breakdown of law and order,” he said.

President Hichilema cited an analogy of him losing elections for five times, yet he restrained his supporters to air their grievances through violence.

“I had the motivation to go in the streets when we felt that we did not get treated properly during elections. But I was always the first to say ‘no one goes in the streets.’

“Those who supported us genuinely complained, particularly two elections. But I took the responsibility and the leadership that I cannot send my men and women – citizens of Zambia – to damage property, to kill somebody because that blood will be on my hands,” President Hichilema said.

The President said he, with his team, used democratic processes to form Government in August 2021 and “we were patient.”

“Today we have been privileged to lead our country and we inherited a country which is peaceful.

“It’s our duty to keep our country peaceful and hand it over to those who will come after us in peace. That’s my call to my brothers and sisters in Tanzania. Zambians are with you; they understand the challenges, the pain and the opportunities as well, which are many,” he said.

President Hichilema encouraged Tanzanians to take the side of opportunities and everything will be okay overtime.

“Remember, God’s time is the best. So I want to wish, on behalf of Zambia, on behalf of SADC, that let’s place a premium on peace, security and stability. Then the rest will be focused on creating opportunities for our people, including young people – the Gen-Zs.

“The only way we can take care of them is to send them to school, give them skills and opportunities for jobs, business, and others,” he said.

President Hichilema further congratulated President Suluhu on her victory and wished her well, as she leads all the Tanzanians, including those who did not vote for her.

“Find space and systems to reach out to them. But you have our best wishes,” said President Hichilema.