Peace Is Everyone’s Responsibility

What many people believe

Keeping the peace is often seen as the responsibility of the Government, the Police and political leaders alone. Differences of religion, ethnicity, politics or background can be treated as reasons for suspicion, and disagreements are sometimes settled through anger, rumours or violence instead of dialogue. Young people are often seen as troublemakers rather than partners, and women’s voices may be left out of decisions about security and conflict.

Why this norm is harmful

When communities leave peace to others, early warning signs of conflict are missed, and small disputes can grow into violence. Division between faiths or groups creates fear and mistrust, and makes it easier for people who promote extremism to recruit, especially among young people who feel excluded. Conflict and insecurity in turn hold back development, education and health in the whole community.

The norm we promote

Peace is everyone’s responsibility. Our differences are a strength, and disagreements are resolved through dialogue, respect and the law, never through violence. Women, young people, religious leaders and duty bearers all have a role in preventing conflict and building peaceful communities.

How BAKAID works on this

• Through the Peace Building project in Rufiji, Kibiti and Mafia (Pwani Region), training Muslim and Christian religious leaders as champions of peace, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
• Bringing women, young people, religious leaders and the Police Community Policing Desk together to recognise and respond to early warning signs of violence.
• Working with Social Welfare and Community Development Officers so that peacebuilding is part of local development.
• Using sport and community activities, such as football in schools, to bring children and young people together across their differences.

During the 2025 General Election period, the three target districts recorded no incidents of election-related unrest or violence, showing what communities can achieve when they work together for peace.

What you can do

• Treat people of other faiths, backgrounds and political views with respect.
• Do not spread rumours, hate speech or messages that divide people, including on social media.
• Solve disagreements through dialogue, and seek help from local leaders, religious leaders or the Police when needed.
• Involve young people and women in community decisions and activities.
• Report early warning signs of violence or extremism to local leaders or the Police Community Policing Desk.