From universities to community forums, voices across the country are calling on young people to take on a greater role as guardians of national calm. The message resonates strongly: violence, hate and division have no place in a nation built on decades of peace, unity and coexistence.

In this context, many young Tanzanians are increasingly advocating for a shift away from confrontational politics driven by anger and personality clashes, toward issue-based dialogue that focuses on development, accountability and practical solutions to everyday challenges. This approach is widely seen as essential in reinforcing both democratic values and national cohesion.

Student leaders emphasise that true democracy and freedom of expression must go hand in hand with responsibility. They argue that political maturity is reflected in the ability to listen, respect differing views and respond with ideas rather than eмоtional reactions. The events of October 29, they stress, should remain a lasting lesson that disagreements must never be allowed to break the bonds of unity among Tanzanians.

At academic institutions, structured and respectful engagement is being promoted as a cornerstone of peacebuilding. Richard Machbiya, Chairperson of the Dar es Salaam University Student Government at the School of Journalism and Mass Communication (DARUSO–SJMC), describes civilised dialogue as one guided by tolerance, humility and mutual understanding. He notes that young people must learn to debate responsibly, especially during periods of heightened tension.

He further highlights the importance of reducing emotional reactions in discussions, encouraging youth to fully understand issues before speaking and to be mindful of their audience and environment. According to him, platforms such as open debates and moderated discussions can help build a culture of dialogue that promotes reconciliation, consensus and positive change.

Machbiya also underscores the need to focus criticism on ideas rather than individuals, warning that when debates descend into insults and humiliation, they cease to be constructive and instead fuel conflict. He calls on institutions to strengthen civic education and provide clear guidelines that empower young people with knowledge of their rights and responsibilities.

Another critical issue raised is the growing influence of social media in shaping public discourse. Observers note that digital platforms have increasingly become spaces where rumours, propaganda and hateful messages spread rapidly, often outpacing verified information. This environment, they caution, can weaken critical thinking and encourage blind loyalty rather than meaningful engagement.

Echoing similar sentiments, Nassir Abdullah, Vice-President of the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences Students’ Organisation (MUHASSO), defines civilised dialogue as political discussion conducted with respect and discipline, free from hate, mockery and demeaning language. He stresses that national unity depends on recognising that while disagreement is natural, hostility is destructive.

According to him, young people can learn to express differing views respectfully by listening carefully, seeking understanding and avoiding offensive language. He points out that civic education and peaceful debate forums play a vital role in shaping these values, helping to reduce conflict and strengthen political stability.

Beyond academic settings, community members are equally vocal about the importance of maintaining calm and fostering mutual respect. In Bunju B, Dar es Salaam, bajaji driver Baraka Masanja describes civilised dialogue as the simple act of listening to one another, even in disagreement. He urges young people to focus on key issues such as employment and service delivery rather than personal attacks that risk inflaming tensions.

Masanja emphasises that unrest disproportionately affects ordinary citizens—workers, small business operators and families whose livelihoods depend on stability. For him, protecting peace is not only a civic duty but a practical necessity, particularly for the younger generation that will shape the country’s future.

From Mapinga in the Coast Region, bodaboda rider Omari Hassan highlights the importance of civic education in helping youth understand democratic rights and responsibilities. He notes that many young people become overly emotional due to misinformation and lack of awareness, making them vulnerable to manipulation. Expanding access to civic education and community programmes, he argues, can help build a more informed and responsible generation.

Similarly, in Dar es Salaam’s Tazara area, Nassoro Mwimvua stresses that meaningful political engagement must focus on issues rather than personalities. He observes that when debates shift toward personal attacks, they undermine both democracy and unity, whereas respectful discussion allows people with different views to work together for the common good.

Political analysts reinforce these perspectives by pointing to broader socio-economic factors. Dr Paul Loisulie, a lecturer at the University of Dodoma, notes that unemployment and limited opportunities can increase frustration among young people, sometimes leading to harsh rhetoric or conflict. He emphasises the importance of addressing these underlying challenges while promoting civic education and constructive participation.

Dr Loisulie also calls on political youth wings and social groups to serve as platforms for mentorship and citizenship training, rather than arenas for conflict. By instilling values of responsibility, patriotism and peacebuilding, these institutions can help guide young people toward contributing positively to national development.

As Tanzania looks ahead to the release of the inquiry report, the emphasis on respectful dialogue is gaining momentum as a foundation for both peace and progress. The shared aspiration is clear: that the events of October 29 will remain a lesson of the past, guiding the nation toward a more united, resilient and forward-looking future.

In this journey, the role of young people remains central. By choosing dialogue over division, understanding over hostility and ideas over insults, they have the capacity to safeguard Tanzania’s enduring legacy of peace ensuring that stability continues to support inclusive growth and national development.

Notes to Editors

·      The article reflects national discourse in Tanzania ahead of the anticipated report of the Commission of Inquiry into the events of October 29, 2025, with growing emphasis on dialogue, tolerance and unity.

·      Stakeholders, including youth, community members and analysts, are advocating for a shift toward issuebased engagement and away from confrontational politics driven by division and personality conflicts.

·      The discussion underscores the importance of responsible freedom of expression, particularly among young people, in sustaining peace and democratic values.

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