Tanganyika Law Society calls for reconciliatory dialogue ahead of elections

Dar es Salaam. The Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) has called on religious leaders, the government and professional boards to unite in national dialogue aimed at fostering reconciliation.

This initiative seeks to inspire collective efforts to strengthen national unity and achieve shared aspirations for progress in the year that will see Tanzania holding the General Election.

Speaking at a press conference on January 13, TLS president Boniface Mwabukusi emphasised that this being an election year comes with significant responsibilities.

He urged all citizens to reflect deeply on their roles and embrace accountability.

“This year is not just about stepping into another General Election,” Mr Mwabukusi said.

“It is about the responsibilities that demand us, as citizens, to be accountable.

To move forward as a nation, we need to come together, reflect on where we have come from, where we are going, and identify where we went wrong.”

He further stressed that TLS’s mission is to focus on uniting the nation rather than targeting positions or individuals.

He highlighted unresolved cases of disappearances, such as those of Azory Gwanda and Ben Saanane, which have left families in misery.

“As TLS, our commitment is to seek ways to unite the nation. Families are still living in despair because some people, like Azory Gwanda and Ben Saanane, remain missing, and no one knows their whereabouts,” he said.

Mr Mwabukusi warned of the consequences of neglecting accountability, stating, “If we fail to take responsibility for our roles, this year could lead us to disgrace and place us in the history books for all the wrong reasons. Alternatively, it could make us better individuals and lay the foundation for a new perspective and new challenges for our nation.”

Mr Mwabukusi emphasised that TLS would engage the government to continue advocating for the ratification of international agreements addressing abductions and enforced disappearances.

“Without a proper system to address abductions and enforced disappearances, such issues will persist, giving criminals the opportunity to commit these terrible acts,” he said.

He urged the government to recognise the importance of ratifying the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.

He also noted that cases of abductions have left a lasting scar on the nation, causing trauma for families and communities.

“These actions contradict the core values of dignity, justice, and human rights. The government must take decisive action to address these issues,” he added.

Explaining the rationale for the proposed national dialogue, Mr Mwabukusi said that democracy and good governance are the foundation of any nation aspiring for true development.

However, he expressed concerns over challenges in implementing these principles, including a lack of transparency in government decision-making, insufficient accountability among public leaders, and limited citizen participation in decisions affecting their lives.

As the country prepares for elections, Mr Mwabukusi stressed the importance of laws and the Constitution in safeguarding democracy.

“Free and fair elections are a testament to a country’s commitment to democracy and its people’s unity,” he said.

However, he cautioned against divisive rhetoric and discriminatory practices by some political leaders, which undermine national harmony.

“We urge all leaders to uphold the rule of law, refrain from actions that polarise citizens, and foster an environment of national unity,” he concluded.