CHAIRMAN of the Board of Trustees of Mwalimu Nyerere Foundation (MNF) Joseph Butiku has called on Tanzanians to safeguard the long-standing culture of dialogue, tolerance and reconciliation, stressing that the nation still has the full ability to resolve its challenges without resorting to violence.

He emphasized that incidents similar to the October 29 unrest should never be allowed to recur. Speaking in Dodoma yesterday during a one-day consultative forum jointly convened by MNF and the Tanzania Peace Institute, Butiku said that the grievances expressed by young people across the country are legitimate and deserve attention.

However, he cautioned that no level of frustration should justify chaos or the destruction of public property. “We must trust one another in order to solve the challenges we face. We have the capacity for dialogue; we should not allow such incidents to repeat themselves,” he said, reaffirming that Tanzanians have not lost their collective ability to reason together and reach consensus on national issues.

The forum brought together senior citizens, faith leaders and representatives of various institutions, all united in proposing steps to restore national calm and unity following the violence that left deaths and property loss in its wake.

Presenting the forum’s resolutions, secretary of the forum Dr. Chirangi Masuto said participants were deeply saddened by the events and extended condolences to all affected families. The delegates endorsed four key resolutions aimed at promoting lasting peace.

They urged all citizens to remain patient as they await the findings of the investigation commission established by the President to determine what triggered the October unrest. They said the report will be central in charting the way forward.

The meeting also called on the government to release comprehensive information on the number of deaths, the extent of property damage and to provide necessary condolences, medical and psychological support to survivors.

On the long-standing demand for constitutional reforms, the forum recommended restarting the new constitution process in a free, participatory and clearly scheduled manner, one that would culminate in a public referendum.

Participants also stressed patriotism, justice and accountability as essential pillars of national unity. They urged leaders at all levels to put national interests first, ensure transparency in the management of public resources and consider releasing political detainees while strengthening oversight and accountability systems.

Regarding circulating rumours of demonstrations expected on Tuesday next week, the forum encouraged all parties to embrace dialogue and mediation. Citizens were advised to avoid statements or actions that could fuel political, religious or ethnic tensions.