Tanzanian sheikh warns youth against protest mobilisation ahead of 2025 elections

Mwanza. With Tanzania’s General Election set for October 2025, Muslims across the country have been urged to avoid political manipulation that could disrupt national peace. Instead, they have been encouraged to engage in fair and constructive politics that foster unity.

The call was made by the Chief Sheikh of Mwanza Region, Hassan Kabeke, who cautioned citizens, particularly the youth, against being drawn into activities that could destabilise the nation, especially through protests.

“I urge all Tanzanians to cherish peace, especially Muslims, as Islam is a religion of peace and humility—that is why it is called Al-Islam. If someone provokes you with words that threaten peace, do not respond. Simply say, ‘Assalam Alaikum’ (peace be upon you),” Sheikh Kabeke said.

Citing examples of war-torn nations, Sheikh Kabeke urged citizens to participate fully in the electoral process by registering, collecting nomination forms and voting without inciting violence.

“Muslims and non-Muslims alike should collect nomination forms, regardless of the party they support. No Muslim should say that elections are not their concern. We are all citizens of this country, and we have the right to contest, vote and be elected. Go and collect the forms,” he emphasised.

Furthermore, Sheikh Kabeke encouraged Muslims to continue practising the good deeds they embraced during Ramadan and to maintain their devotion beyond the fasting period.

His sentiments were echoed by the Chairman of the Ramadan Charity Programme, Ahmed Missanga, who highlighted the need for continued support for vulnerable communities, as identified during the 30 days of Ramadan.

Missanga noted that through donations and Iftar meals provided at 420 centres across six regions of the Lake Zone, it was discovered that some families survived on just one meal a day or simply dates and water. This, he said, underscored the need for Muslims to persist in charitable acts.

“I urge everyone to remember that Ramadan was a school of learning. People lived with kindness, performed good deeds and supported the poor, widows and orphans. They prayed and read the Holy Quran. Let us continue these practices,” he said.

He also called on all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs, to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in identifying actions that could lead to unrest, particularly as the October 2025 elections approach.

For his part, Estumai Khamis, a resident of Mkuyuni in Mwanza, said he had learnt from fasting to care for the needy and promote peace from the family level to the wider community.

“We have a duty to maintain peace within our families, communities, and the nation as a whole. As we approach the general election, we know politicians will come with various strategies. Let us pay attention to those with constructive ideas. If they try to incite us to disrupt peace, we should ignore them,” he said.

Similarly, Munah Mussa, a resident of Isamilo in Mwanza, said that through fasting and prayers, she had learnt the importance of drawing closer to God by engaging in good deeds, including giving Zakat and charity.