DAR ES SALAAM, Jan. 8 -- PEACE has long been one of Tanzanias most cherished national pillars that quietly sustains livelihoods, attracts investment and holds together a diverse society.

Yet in a brief and unsettling moment, that foundation was tested when unrest erupted during the election period in late 2025, bringing daily life to a sudden halt. Roads emptied, businesses shut their doors and thousands of citizens who depend on daily income found themselves unable to provide even the most basic necessities for their families.

The unrest served as a sobering reminder that peace is neither accidental nor guaranteed. What unfolded went beyond sporadic disturbances, exposing the destructive power of misinformation, political intolerance a...