Dar es Salaam. Prime Minister, Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, has called on Tanzanians to remain vigilant, united and protective of their country’s peace, stability and natural wealth, stressing that the nation belongs to all its citizens and must be safeguarded collectively.
He delivered the message during a meeting with senior editors at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre on November 25, 2025.
Addressing the editors, Dr Mwigulu warned against groups he said were intent on sowing discord and undermining national cohesion.
He emphasised that Tanzania’s unity and abundant resources continued to attract individuals and interests seeking to destabilise or exploit the country, cautioning citizens to reject attempts to use them for acts that could harm the nation.
“Tanzania does not belong to the Government, nor does it belong to any political party. Political parties exist because the country exists. God has given us a beautiful nation, and each of us has a duty to defend it,” he said.
He added that Tanzania’s prosperity required each citizen to “carry this responsibility with seriousness” and to remain alert to those who “do not wish the country well.”
Dr Mwigulu underscored that all national development projects, from roads and bridges to water infrastructure and health facilities—are funded by taxpayers.
“There is no Government money in these projects. Every shilling comes from Tanzanians; the Government only manages it,” he said.
Even routine purchases, he noted, contribute to development.
“When you buy a shirt, part of that money goes to road construction. You sacrifice a little so that the country can advance.”
He said Tanzania’s economic ambitions cannot be realised if the private sector is treated as an adversary.
He cited recent reforms championed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, which enable local contractors to secure major infrastructure projects while larger firms apply for subcontracts from them, a step expected to widen job opportunities for young Tanzanians and strengthen domestic capacity.
The Prime Minister also addressed the aftermath of the October 29 unrest, describing it as an orchestrated attempt to cripple the economy.
He reported extensive damage, including the burning of 756 government offices, 27 BRT stations, six buses, 273 private homes, 159 police posts, 672 fuel stations, 1,642 private vehicles, 2,268 motorcycles and 976 Government vehicles, among them ambulances. He said key national assets such as the Magufuli Bus Terminal, the Kinyerezi power plant and the SGR line had also been targeted.
Dr Mwigulu said such destruction directly harms citizens whose livelihoods depend on daily mobility.
“Life in Dar es Salaam means moving from one point to another. No Tanzanian has accumulated enough to stay indoors for a year. If people cannot travel, how will they earn a living? When you burn a water facility or a bus terminal, how are people expected to survive?” he asked.
He urged citizens to report suspicious individuals to local authorities, warning that those intent on causing harm no longer rely on guesthouses but lodge within private homes.
“Leaders at street, hamlet and village levels must remain alert. Every citizen must be their neighbour’s keeper and know who is being brought into their community,” he said.
Dr Mwigulu insisted that some actors are seeking to exploit Tanzania’s natural wealth for their own benefit.
“There are those who are eyeing our resources. Tanzania is not a poor country, and we will protect it and its wealth at all costs,” he affirmed.
The meeting, which brought together editors from across the country, was also attended by ministers and deputy ministers from the Ministries of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports; Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation; and leaders of the Editors’ Forum.
