President Mwinyi praised the Maulid Council, in collaboration with the Office of the Mufti, for organising the conference, noting that it promotes peace, unity, and solidarity.
Unguja. President of Zanzibar, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has urged religious leaders to speak out and remind politicians during the campaign period to refrain from preaching hate, division, discrimination, or insults, and instead convey their intentions clearly to citizens to prevent violence and unrest.
In addition to guiding politicians, Dr Mwinyi called on journalists and citizens to refrain from actions or statements that could trigger unrest in the country.
Dr Mwinyi made the remarks on Friday, September 5, 2025, at a conference of the Zanzibar Maulid Council held at Ziwani Police Hall.
He observed that some statements by political leaders already signal potential threats to peace, and it is everyone’s responsibility to condemn such remarks to prevent destabilisation.
“It is not right to remain silent on this issue, because disruption of peace does not start with guns but with warning signs, including words and threats among us. We must act so that those incited to disturb peace do not carry out such acts,” said Dr Mwinyi.
He stressed that all have a duty to lead in safeguarding peace before, during, and after the election, avoiding actions that could undermine existing harmony and ensuring it endures.
He further highlighted that no nation can remain safe or progress without peace, noting that it is the foundation of every individual and societal success.
Commenting on topics presented at the conference, including early warning signs of potential unrest, he said they were particularly relevant given the approach of the general election.
“I am pleased to see many of us speaking with one voice in promoting national peace, a sign that each of us recognises the importance of cherishing and maintaining this blessing, which underpins success,” he emphasised.
He called on citizens to unite and actively protect peace, stressing that doing so honours the divine blessing bestowed by their Creator.
“Let us remember that during the celebrations of the Prophet’s birth (SAW), we should continue to show our love for him by following his example, particularly in maintaining peace, which he strongly encouraged us to uphold,” he added.
President Mwinyi praised the Maulid Council, in collaboration with the Office of the Mufti, for organising the conference, noting that it promotes peace, unity, and solidarity.
Earlier, the Secretary-General of the Office of the Mufti of Zanzibar, Sheikh Khalid Ali Mfaume, emphasised that celebrations of the Prophet’s birth must be reflected in daily life; failing to do so would go against his teachings.
He urged youth to avoid being misused to disturb peace, so that the country continues to enjoy this valuable principle.
“Every political party needs the state, and it must promote policies, not hatred or division, which would undermine our peace,” he said.
Opening the event, Chairman of the Zanzibar Maulid Council, Abubakar Mohammed Mussa, said the activities are not only meant to strengthen faith but also to preserve Islamic and social culture in the legacy of Prophet Muhammad.
He praised Dr Mwinyi for collaborating with them, noting that his presence encouraged Zanzibaris and demonstrated the central government’s genuine support for the initiative.
The conference featured various presentations, including the theme that peace is a blessing from Allah that must not be taken lightly, along with signs of potential unrest
