Kigoma. Tanzania’s Minister for Home Affairs, George Simbachawene, has urged young people and activists to use lawful and peaceful means when demanding their rights, warning that violence and unrest have never resulted in solutions but instead destroy peace and stability.
Speaking during the Second Tripartite Meeting involving the Government of Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Simbachawene stressed that dialogue remains the only way to safeguard the nation’s peace.
He cited the Democratic Republic of Congo as a cautionary example, noting that the country has endured more than 30 years of conflict and is still struggling to restore stability.
“Those who think violence will give them rights must think again. Congo has been unstable for more than 30 years, and peace has still not returned. If we destroy our peace today, we will suffer in the same way,” he warned.
The meeting, held in Kigoma, saw the three parties sign documents outlining a plan to repatriate 86,256 Congolese refugees currently living in Tanzania. The event was attended by DRC Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Shabani Bihango, and UNHCR Representative in Tanzania, Barbara Dotse, both of whom expressed appreciation to Tanzania for hosting Congolese refugees for more than three decades.
Simbachawene’s remarks come amid post–October 29 elections discussions in Tanzania and reports of online mobilization for a demonstration expected on December 9, 2025, during Mainland Tanzania’s Independence Day, organized by some youth and activists.
He cautioned the youth against believing that demonstration and unrest is a faster route to justice, saying:
“Shortcut is not violence. Shortcut is putting ideas on the table, engaging in dialogue and following legal systems to bring about change. Without peace, nothing we fight for has meaning.”
He also urged Tanzanians to safeguard peace as the festive season approaches, assuring the public that security agencies are fully prepared to protect lives and property.
“As we go into the Christmas and New Year holidays, I wish all Tanzanians peace and safety. Do not worry — the government and police are fully prepared to protect you. Let us celebrate without fear and continue to value the peace we enjoy,” he said.
