Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has once again shown her commitment to peace, unity, and national healing after she directed Members of Parliament to stand in silence for one minute in honour of all citizens who lost their lives during the post-election violence experienced in different parts of the country in past years.
The emotional moment happened on Thursday during a special parliamentary session in Dodoma, where President Samia had been invited to address both the National Assembly and the nation.
The House became completely silent as MPs, ministers, and invited guests rose to their feet to pay tribute to the victims.
Many described it as one of the most powerful and memorable moments in the recent political history of Tanzania.
In her speech, President Samia said the one-minute silence was not just a ritual but a call to all leaders to reflect deeply on their role in protecting peace, democracy, and human life.
In her speech, President Samia said the one-minute silence was not just a ritual but a call to all leaders to reflect deeply on their role in protecting peace, democracy, and human life.
She reminded MPs that every citizen who died during moments of political tension was someone’s child, parent, friend, or neighbour, and their loss must be taken seriously.
Samia noted that Tanzania has enjoyed a long reputation as one of Africa’s most stable countries, but she warned that stability should never be taken for granted.
Samia noted that Tanzania has enjoyed a long reputation as one of Africa’s most stable countries, but she warned that stability should never be taken for granted.
According to her, even small sparks of violence during elections can grow into major national crises if leaders fail to act responsibly.
Without mentioning any specific party or past incident, President Samia said the country had experienced painful moments before, especially after heated political periods.
Without mentioning any specific party or past incident, President Samia said the country had experienced painful moments before, especially after heated political periods.
She emphasized that acknowledging the losses is the first step toward ensuring that such events never happen again.
The President used the occasion to urge both ruling and opposition MPs to embrace what she called “mature politics.”
The President used the occasion to urge both ruling and opposition MPs to embrace what she called “mature politics.”
She encouraged debates based on ideas and policies instead of insults, intimidation, or fear tactics. According to her, political competition should not cost the life of any innocent citizen.
She said Tanzania can grow faster when its leaders choose dialogue over confrontation and when citizens trust that their voices will be heard through peaceful democratic processes.
She said Tanzania can grow faster when its leaders choose dialogue over confrontation and when citizens trust that their voices will be heard through peaceful democratic processes.
Samia also reminded MPs that the world is watching how Tanzania handles political transitions and internal disagreements.
She further called on security agencies to ensure that their operations remain professional, fair, and within the law during every election period.
She further called on security agencies to ensure that their operations remain professional, fair, and within the law during every election period.
She said the government must guarantee safety for all voters, candidates, and election officials.
Many MPs were visibly moved by the President’s gesture. Some members later said the moment reminded them of past tragedies that could have been avoided if leaders had acted with more caution and responsibility.
Many MPs were visibly moved by the President’s gesture. Some members later said the moment reminded them of past tragedies that could have been avoided if leaders had acted with more caution and responsibility.
Others applauded Samia for showing leadership that prioritizes human life above political interests.
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