Key Steps for National Reconciliation
In Dar es Salaam, stakeholders have outlined several essential steps to foster reconciliation in Tanzania. These include acknowledging past mistakes, avoiding blame, healing wounds, and halting arbitrary arrests. Bishop Benson Bagonza of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), Karagwe Diocese, emphasized that these measures are crucial as the nation takes its first steps towards unity and peace.
Stakeholders believe that these actions will help build genuine unity and demonstrate the government’s maturity in choosing dialogue over confrontation. Their comments follow a recent announcement by Vice President Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi regarding the government’s plan to initiate reconciliation talks aimed at ensuring every voice is heard and peace is restored.
“The intention of President Samia Suluhu Hassan is to initiate reconciliation dialogue so that even the minority can be heard, ensuring Tanzania remains a peaceful, united and stable nation, a model for Africa and the world,” Dr Nchimbi stated during the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State Summit.
Dr Nchimbi’s remarks align with President Samia’s campaign pledge to establish reconciliation efforts, including a body that would guide the process towards drafting a new constitution within her first 100 days in office.
The Role of the Church in Reconciliation
Bishop Bagonza pointed out an irony in the current situation: those who previously called for reconciliation before the General Election now oppose it, while those who rejected it then are now advocating for it. He stressed the need to cleanse the blood that is still fresh by allowing families to bury and mourn their loved ones.
“Without that, entering reconciliation talks is like smearing ourselves with blood,” he said. He called for the immediate suspension of arrests and the release of those detained, noting that some individuals who should participate in reconciliation efforts are either missing or being held in custody.
The bishop also highlighted the importance of creating a safe environment for both supporters and critics of the government, as many dissenters are fleeing the country. He proposed forming a truth and reconciliation commission to determine who should be forgiven, who should face justice, and who deserves compensation, aiming to prevent similar crises in the future.
This commission must be transparent, inclusive, and accountable to the public to maintain the trust of citizens.
Inclusivity in the Reconciliation Process
Political and governance analyst Mr Philemon Mtoi emphasized that the reconciliation process must include representatives from all sectors of society. While it is impractical to consult every individual citizen, he suggested selecting representatives from various community groups, including religious leaders, civil society, youth organizations, and political parties.
He argued against including Members of Parliament (MPs), stating that many citizens no longer trust them to represent public interests. Mr Mtoi also called for the involvement of security and government representatives to ensure a comprehensive and credible process.
No Side Should Claim Victory
Mr Mtoi warned that reconciliation should not be treated as a contest between winners and losers. “All parties must admit their mistakes. The government must acknowledge its errors, and even protesters must accept their share of responsibility,” he said.
He emphasized that true reconciliation requires sincerity and an end to finger-pointing. “When we talk about reconciliation while some people are still being arrested or harassed, it undermines the whole process,” he cautioned.
Healing and Accountability
Political science scholar Dr Conrad Masabo from the University of Dodoma (UDOM) stated that national healing requires both political will and moral responsibility. He asked Tanzanians whether they are genuinely ready to move forward.
“This responsibility rests with every Tanzanian, from top government leaders to ordinary citizens, but the level of accountability differs depending on one’s position,” he said. Dr Masabo added that the nation must acknowledge what happened, accept collective responsibility, and avoid the politics of blame.
“We must stop pointing fingers. We should accept that there were riots, destruction of property and loss of life, and not deny any of it,” he said. He suggested identifying and honouring those who lost their lives, ensuring proper burial rites according to cultural and religious traditions to allow healing.
Such steps provide cultural healing. In our traditions, death is painful, but it becomes even more so when the deceased are not laid to rest respectfully. Dr Masabo also proposed developing a compensation framework to support families of victims and those who lost property, not as a replacement for life, but as a gesture of care and recognition.
A Credible Mediator Needed
Dr Masabo further suggested appointing a neutral and respected mediator to facilitate the reconciliation process. “Unfortunately, we currently lack an individual trusted by all sides. If necessary, we may need to invite a neutral figure from outside the country, someone all parties can listen to,” he said.
He concluded that the chosen mediator must be impartial, respected, and capable of guiding the process towards genuine national unity and lasting peace.