Tanzania President Samia Suluhu has called for closer cooperation between Tanzania and Kenya in addressing incidents of unrest involving young people, saying regional stability requires joint action rather than division.

Suluhu said she had held discussions with President William Ruto on how to respond to what she described as disruptive conduct involving youth groups crossing borders.

She said both countries must avoid political disagreements and instead coordinate efforts to maintain order in the region, arguing that instability in one country has direct implications for neighbouring states.

Coach Matano impressed, Siraj finds form and purpose at KCB Football

Yego seeks golden continental exit in Accra showpiece Athletics

“There is no need to disagree, fight or celebrate the wrongdoings happening in our region. When that happens in Kenya, it concerns Tanzania, and we must end it,” she said.

Suluhu further claimed that she and President Ruto had discussed how to handle young people she described as “indisciplined” and linked to cross-border disturbances, emphasising that both governments should take a firm stance to maintain order.

"Wale wanaofanya fujo na kusumbua serikali zao wachukuliwe hatua kali. Nimemwambia Rais William Ruto, tusimame imara kwa wale watovu wa nidhamu. Tusichague Watanzania au Wakenya; wakija kwangu nachapa mikwaju, wakija kwako unawachapa mikwaju, ili wakae sawa,” she said.

This loosely translates to:

(I was speaking to President Ruto on how to deal with our young children who are indisciplined, calling themselves Gen Zs. They claim to come from East Africa to fight for democracy, destroy properties, and disturb the government. I told President Ruto that we should stand firm on this indiscipline of youths; we should not take sides. When Tanzanians come to Kenya, you discipline them; when Kenyan Gen Zs come to Tanzania, I will discipline them as well so that they are in line.

She added that each country should manage individuals entering its territory who engage in unlawful activities, while urging respect for national laws and cultural norms.

The Tanzanian leader also noted that democratic practice in the region should reflect local contexts and values, saying governance systems in East Africa must align with cultural and social realities.

“The word democracy should not spoil our country, culture and beliefs. Democracy does not have a formula. The other democracies are different from ours. Ours has a culture and a belief that is in line with democracy. I told President Ruto that we should stand firm to defend our countries,” she said.

She spoke on Monday, during a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing event at the State House in Tanzania.

President Ruto is in Tanzania for a two-day State visit, where he held bilateral talks with President Suluhu at State House in Dar es Salaam. During the meeting, the two leaders oversaw the signing of eight agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation between Kenya and Tanzania across key sectors.