CCM’s bold statement

THE ruling party, CCM, has strongly condemned the heinous acts of abductionand murder committed by groups or gangs with the intent to disrupt peace and create division among Tanzanians.

In response to the recent murder of Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) executive committee member Ali Kibao, CCM has called for a swift and thorough investigation and for strict action against those found guilty of the crime.

Speaking during a meeting with editors in Dar es Salaam yesterday, the party’s Secretary-General, Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi, reaffirmed CCM’s strong condemnation of such brutal actions and any form of law violations.

Dr Nchimbi stated that CCM fully supports President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s call for an urgent investigation into the incident, demanding that the suspects be identified and that decisive measures be taken.

“The President has clearly expressed her concern and condemnation of this incident.

As CCM, we assure Tanzanians that we share in the outrage over this matter,” said Dr Nchimbi.

He urged citizens to remain patient and resist the division and hatred instigated by those with ill intentions, calling for calm and unity to support a thorough and fair investigation to ensure justice is served.

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“There are people who are trying to create a rift between the Police Force and the citizens, but this is not the reality.

I have traveled across the regions and witnessed people building police stations with their own resources,” said Dr Nchimbi.

“Anyone involved in killings or abductions is doing so to tarnish the good image of our party.

CCM would not be so foolish as to engage in actions that harm itself; these acts are being committed by a group of thugs aiming to cause disruption,” he added.

Dr Nchimbi also cautioned other political parties against blaming each other and inciting division among the public, encouraging them to work with CCM to promote stability and national unity to ensure that everyone feels safe in the country.

He referenced a recent incident in the United States, where there was an assassination attempt on former President and Republican candidate Mr Donald Trump during a speech.

He noted that, in the Trump incident, no opposition parties, including the major Democratic and Republican parties, blamed each other; instead, they united in condemning the act and called for strong action, recognising the potential harm of dividing the nation.

He warned political parties against inciting violence between the public and the police, urging them to allow the police to fulfil their duties professionally and without interference.

Dr Nchimbi noted that during his working tour, he observed that in many areas, people have taken the initiative to build police stations themselves and are requesting additional stations to be established in their communities.

“Tanzanians have great trust in the police force and politicians should refrain from creating unnecessary chaos,” he emphasised.

He emphasised that the police force is dedicated to public service, mentioning that over the past five years (2017-2022), approximately 42 police officers have lost their lives in the line of duty, while 141 others were injured during that period.

He added that the police are committed to protecting citizens and their property, sharing that in the last five years, 151 missing persons were reported to the police, of which 141 were located due to police efforts.

Furthermore, Dr Nchimbi reaffirmed CCM’s commitment to fulfilling its promises as outlined in the party manifesto on page 156, clause 105(k), which requires the party to enable the police to combat crime, maintain public safety, protect property, control road accidents and enhance the efficiency of criminal investigations is central to CCM’s commitments.

Dr Nchimbi highlighted that Tanzania boasts a proud history of resilience and unity since gaining independence, successfully overcoming numerous challenges and disasters throughout the years.

He expressed confidence that, just as the nation has prevailed over past hardships, it will also navigate through this difficult period and remain stronger.