Ministers urge Tanzanians to avoid mixing politics and religion

Dar es Salaam. Two cabinet ministers have urged Tanzanians to avoid mixing politics and religion to uphold the country’s peace, security, and tranquility.

The call was made over the weekend by the deputy Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office (Environment and Union Affairs), Khamis Hamza Khamis, and the minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Abdallah Ulega.

They were speaking during the 52nd Jalsa Salana, the annual gathering of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, held in Kitonga Village, Msongola Ward, Ilala District.

Speaking during the event, the ministers commended the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for supporting President Samia Suluhu Hassan administration’s initiatives and prioritise restoration of moral values among the youth.

Mr Khamis said Tanzanians were not prohibited from practicing politics or preaching religious teachings; rather, they are reminded that the two things should be separated.

“Countries that have plunged into civil wars and peace disruptions made a mistake allowing its people to mix politics and religion,” he said, insisting that the two cannot go together.

“Tanzanians should ensure their messages strengthen the country’s peace and security, instead of disseminating messages that will plunge the country into turmoil,” he added.

Mr Khamis said the responsibility of restoring moral values shouldn’t be left to special groups alone, rather all players including politicians, clergymen, the elderly, guardians and children.

“We need to differ in our religious affiliations, but our religions and denominations shouldn’t divide us, rather we should be united for the interest of the country’s peace and security,” he said.

Mr Ulega said he was encouraged to learn that the 52nd Julsa Salana supports the government’s efforts of addressing issues of moral restoration.

He said reversing the sharp fall of moral standards was a war that should be fought in a collaboration of the government and religious leaders.

He said despite presence of laws and law enforces to curb immoral acts, incidents of immorality were on the increase in Tanzania.

“People should adhere to religious teachings to prevent further deterioration because the trend has something to do with people’s ignorance of traditions and customs governing the country,” said Mr Ulega.

“The use of strokes and enacted laws alone will not curb moral degradation. The society should refrain from religious teachings,” he added.

He said religious teachings can shape an individual from a tender age on important issues such as upholding love, gentleness, and humility, as well as avoiding hate, theft, etc.