17-Point Plan for Peace Proposed by Muslim Institutions After Election Violence

Dar es Salaam. Tanzanian Muslim organizations, including the Central Muslim Council, commonly referred to by its Kiswahili abbreviation Bakw...

Dar es Salaam. Tanzanian Muslim organizations, including the Central Muslim Council, commonly referred to by its Kiswahili abbreviation Bakwata, has unveiled a 17-point strategy designed to bring back peace and stability following the violent incidents that occurred during last month's election.

The strategy highlights reconciliation as the way ahead.

The proposal was revealed by the emir of the Federation of Islamic Institutions in Tanzania, Sheikh Mussa Kundecha, in a statement addressed to journalists and heads of Islamic organizations at the Bakwata office in Kinondoni, Dar es Salaam.

Prior to the announcement, the leaders participated in Itikaf prayers at the King Mohammed VI Mosque. Itikaf is a type of devotion practiced through isolation at the mosque in an effort to draw nearer to God and obtain His forgiveness.

Sheikh Kundecha stated that the prayers held particular importance after the disturbances on October 29, which involved violent protests leading to deaths, damage to infrastructure including assaults on police stations, government buildings, Bus Rapid Transit stops, gas stations, shops, and vehicles.

He criticized the events that resulted in injuries and deaths, and mentioned that following contemplation during Itikaf, the institutions had decided to back President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her efforts, including forming an Independent Commission of Inquiry into the violence.

"We back President Samia's choice to establish an independent panel to look into the events of October 29," Sheikh Kundecha stated.

The committee was initiated on Thursday and is led by former Chief Justice Mohamed Othman Chande, along with eight other members, including former ambassadors.

Sheikh Kundecha stated that their organizations back the national reconciliation initiative put forward by the President and are prepared to assist in its implementation.

The basis for reconciliation should be built on honesty and positive intentions, rather than temporary campaigns, political influence, or activism.

We are prepared to serve as a link to bring Tanzanians together. He stated, "We suggest a comprehensive and unbiased inquiry to determine those who incited, organized, and directed the crimes that took place."

He stressed that healing should not protect those who are at fault.

"Those who are responsible should face consequences, the innocent should be safeguarded, and justice must be administered fairly," said Sheikh Kundecha, emphasizing that the process should tackle the underlying reasons for the disturbances.

He urged the government to demonstrate empathy towards individuals who suffered the loss of relatives, assets, or enterprises amid the turmoil.

"We acknowledge the government for acknowledging that some of the arrested individuals were young people who joined the crowd without malicious intent. Initiatives aimed at locating and returning them to their families are actions of fairness we endorse," he stated.

Sheikh Kundecha stated that every religion in Tanzania stands against crime, hostility, and destruction, and called on religious leaders to inform the public and encourage reconciliation.

He urged Muslims and all Tanzanians to seek their rights via official procedures and lawful means.

Religious organizations have also been encouraged to hold gatherings with leaders from different faiths in an effort to bring back harmony to the nation.

Sheikh Kundecha cautioned against reacting to social media content or other channels that promote religious, ethnic, regional, or any type of discriminatory messages.

He also urged young individuals to remain at home on December 9, offer prayers for the country, and participate in religious activities to ensure harmony.

He called on religious leaders to oppose efforts that aim to create division within society and to inform their followers about the threats to national unity and cohesion.

Mufti Abubakar Zubeir suggests that we choose language that fosters unity and serves as a connection between Muslims and other Tanzanians.

Tanzania is our sole nation; we cannot permit our peace to be challenged or influenced. As Islamic organizations, we will safeguard that peace under any circumstances," said Sheikh Kundecha.

The Secretary-General of Bakwata, Sheikh Nuhu Mruma, stated that the gathering convened around 30 Islamic organizations, such as the Tanzania Imams’ Association, along with experts from 19 different regions.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).