The calls follow unrest witnessed on October 29, which commentators say must not be repeated. Analysts stressed that a renewed commitment to peace, the rule of law and responsible political participation is essential to safeguard social cohesion and development.

Speaking to Daily News, the Coordinator of the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC), Mr Onesmo Olengurumwa, said lasting solutions to political tensions can only be achieved through dialogue, accountability and adherence to the law.

“All political parties, whether in government or opposition, have a critical role to play in maintaining peace and political stability,” Olengurumwa said. “Those in power must strengthen institutions, uphold justice and create platforms for dialogue. Opposition parties must demand rights through legal means and guide their supporters to follow the law.”

He emphasised that political parties are competitors, not enemies, and must coexist for the benefit of the nation.

Olengurumwa noted that while Tanzania’s Constitution guarantees the right to demonstrate, this right must be exercised peacefully and within the law. “Global experience shows that when protests are properly led and managed, they promote accountability without disturbing peace,” he said.

He added that claiming rights does not justify destruction of property or harm to others. “Rights must go hand in hand with responsibility,” he said.

Highlighting the role of young people in the October 29 protests, Olengurumwa said unresolved challenges such as unemployment, limited economic opportunities and feelings of marginalisation pose risks to national stability and require serious attention.

“If we return to the negotiation table and build politics based on reconciliation, friendship and competition of ideas, we will strengthen systems, consolidate peace and reduce recurring conflicts that hinder national development,” he said.

Political analyst Mr Hamiduni Maliseli echoed the call, urging political parties, activists and young people to firmly embrace peaceful and lawful political engagement. He said parties must reflect on their conduct and clearly distance themselves from violence.

“Political parties are national institutions registered under the law,” Maliseli said. “They have a right to demand reforms and accountability, but this must be done through non-violent, professional and lawful means. Destroying public infrastructure and disrupting livelihoods only harms ordinary citizens who pay for those assets through taxes.”

He warned that violence undermines political legitimacy, which he said is built through ideas, public trust and respect for the law, not anger or destruction. Citing historical examples such as India’s independence struggle under Mahatma Gandhi, Maliseli said peaceful movements have proven capable of achieving lasting change.

Maliseli also cautioned against political messaging that relies on fear, including warnings that the country could slide into civil war if certain demands are not met. Such narratives, he said, erode public confidence and replace debate with intimidation.

He added that even when violence is not officially organised by political parties, its occurrence can damage their public image and weaken public trust, making it harder to sustain long-term support.

A key concern, according to Maliseli, is the mobilisation of young people without adequate civic and ideological preparation. He warned that protests lacking clear goals and leadership risk descending into chaos and social division.

Historian Dr Francis Daudi said election-related violence, which has occurred in many countries, does not offer lasting solutions and instead creates long-term negative consequences. He noted that violence disrupts productive economic activity and can lead to economic decline at both household and national levels.

Dr Daudi added that election violence often results in loss of life, including breadwinners, leaving families vulnerable to poverty while weakening the national workforce.

Social affairs analyst Mr Thomas Kibwana said societal challenges cannot be resolved through violence and must instead be addressed peacefully to avoid economic harm. He pointed to damage to transport infrastructure during periods of unrest, noting that public funds are then diverted to repairs rather than development projects.

As a result, he said, citizens lose productive time due to transport disruptions, weakening the economy from the individual level up to the national level.

Notes to Editors

·       Analysts stress that peaceful political engagement and respect for the rule of law are essential to national unity and development.

·       Youth unemployment, economic inclusion and civic education are identified as key factors in preventing unrest.

·       The commentary follows unrest witnessed on October 29.

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