Assessment of the Role of Religious Institutions in Enhancing National Security in Tanzania:

Abstract

This study is aimed at assessing the role of religious institutions in enhancing peace and security in Tanzania. The study was guided by three objectives, which intend to identify the key activities and programmes of religious institutions that aims to promote peace and security, analyse the ways employed by religious institutions in promoting peace and explore the challenges faced by religious institution in promoting peace and security at Monduli District in Tanzania. The research problem is based on how religious institutions, which are said to be the source and cause of conflict and insecurity, may enhance national security in Tanzania. The study employed a case study with a descriptive research design, as it is a qualitative approach in nature. A sample size of 15 respondents was extracted from a total population of 200 people. Both convenience and purposive sampling techniques were adopted. Data collection methods included interviews and documentary reviews. The data was analysed through content and thematic analysis. The findings revealed that the Catholic church in Monduli District does matter in both preventing and resolving conflict and in making and building peace, but it needs time to analyse the complex interplay and specific articulations of religion in each individual context. The present study recommends that there is a need for the government to review the policies, leaving religious institutions like the Catholic church’s peacemakers in disarray as they lack immense powers to avert chronic systematic crimes associated with land in the Maasai community in Monduli District. This entails that policymakers should cease the mundane notion that sees diplomacy and peacemaking, the emphasis put on the potential of religion to promote transformation rather than on delivering immediate solutions to conflicts.