PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed the police to intensify investigations on disappearances that have occurred around the country, saying it is an urgent matter and a threat to public security.

Officiating at a ceremony to terminate legislative business of the 12th Parliament in Dodoma yesterday, the president acknowledged progress in law enforcement, but stressed that persistent disappearances must be met with more robust action.

 “I instruct the police force to step up efforts to end incidents of people disappearing,” she said, demanding a shift from reactive policing to proactive intervention.

She affirmed that the process of creating a new constitution will be undertaken during the next five-year term, she said

The president highlighted commitment to democratic freedoms in lifting the ban on public meetings, amendments to election laws and the electoral commission, in tandem with disbursing 87.87bn/- in subsidies to eligible political parties.

She praised civil society organisations for providing valuable policy insights, with many of them being adopted by the government, meanwhile as she tried to assuage feelings among experts and the wider public on the rising external debt.

 Tanzania’s national debt stood at 107trn/- as of May 2025 with 72.94trn/- as external debt and 34.76trn/- locally sourced debt, she said, citing changes in United States monetary policy as contributing to obstacles in meeting external debt servicing obligations.

Disbursements to Tanzania of previously signed loans and new financing for various development projects added to the size of the debt, she said, expressing satisfaction that the depreciation of the local currency against the US dollar was relatively mild.

She said that the government is committed to debt sustainability, with increasing focus on domestic revenue collection to reduce the need for substantial external borrowing.

Asserting that Tanzania's borders are secure, she praised the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF) which marked its 60th anniversary last year, for its professionalism and readiness.

 “Tanzania remains one nation with one people. Our social harmony endures, despite our differences in religion, culture or even football allegiances,” she said with a smile.

She lauded the legislature for its role in advancing national development initiatives, hailing Speaker Dr Tulia Ackson for effective leadership for several years.

The president expressed satisfaction that Tanzania had moved up in regional rankings, now placing second in East Africa and 14th continent-wide in sensitivity to corruption.

Reflecting on promises she made in her inaugural address to the National Assembly in April 2021, she said her tenure has focused on building a strong foundation for rapid and inclusive growth, expressing gratitude to previous top national leaders for steadying her hand in moments of difficulty.

While pronouncing cessation of legislative activities, she affirmed that the 12th Parliament will officially cease to exist on August 3, implying that this term limit will be conveyed in a Government Notice to that effect.

The 12th Parliament arising from the 2020 General Election, saw a change of course in the wake of the death of President John Magufuli mid-March 2021, with the then Vice-President being constitutionally mandated to take over.

The incoming president pushed reforms in education and health sectors, uplifting bilateral ties with many countries and restoring democratic space.

With the dissolution of the National Assembly, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to unveil a detailed election schedule, including timelines for parliamentary and presidential nominations, campaigns and voting.

Political parties are now free to officially kick off internal processes to identify candidates for parliamentary and presidential seats, analysts noted.