LUSAKA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema on Monday urged the people of Tanzania to preserve the peace and stability their country has long enjoyed following violent protests.
Hichilema said Tanzanians must ensure that the nation's longstanding peace, security and stability are maintained. "I want to appeal to the people of Tanzania that what you have enjoyed over the years and decades must be protected at all costs," he said while attending the swearing-in ceremony of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Tanzania held general elections last week, which were marred by protests in several regions, including Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, Songwe and Arusha, where mostly young Tanzanians took to the streets demanding electoral reforms and the unconditional release of jailed opposition leaders. Hassan was declared the winner on Saturday, securing 97.66 percent of the vote.
Hichilema said that peace, security and stability are essential foundations for Africa's development. He also reaffirmed Zambia's commitment to strengthening cooperation with Tanzania, saying that the two countries are collaborating on several key development projects. ■