Prominent clerics from the main religious faiths in Dar es Salaam have formed what they termed as a special reconciliation committee to settle the ongoing wrangle between the IPP Executive Chairman, Reginald Mengi and Dar es Salaam based businessman, Yusuf Manji.
The team formed by highly respected Muslim and Christian clerics intends to meet both Mengi and Manji separately and later bring the duo together to iron out their differences.
The co-ordinator of the joint religious committee that says it advocates for peace and unity, who is also the Imam of Mnyamani Mosque in Dar es Salaam, Sheikh Mohamed Idd Mohamed made public the aspirations of the committee at a news conference in Dar es Salaam yesterday.
At the meeting, Sheikh Mohamed was flanked by retired Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (ELCT), Coastal Diocese, Elinaza Sendoro, Roman Catholic Bishop of Dar es Salaam Arch-diocese, Methodius Kilaini, Secretary of Dar es Salaam Elders Union, Sheikh Mohamed Mtulia and the Dar es Salaam Region’s Sheikh, Ali Ngeruko.
Sheikh Mohamed said he had been following closely the row between Mengi and Manji.
’’It is time for religious leaders to intervene as one of the two - Mengi has said his life is in danger,’’ he said.
’’In my capacity, I thought it would be convenient to seek the assistance of fellow clerics to discuss the matter extensively and solve it amicably,’’ Sheikh Mohamed said.
He said both Mengi and Manji are among the businessmen who have always been at the forefront extending assistance to the people of this country.
He said the two have supporters and many employees who are likely to join in the wrangle if it is allowed to persist.
The ongoing clashes between the two should not be taken lightly, Sheikh Mohamed warned.
’’Recently we noticed the involvement of individual religious leaders in the conflict.
This is very dangerous as it can spark reactions, which might be difficult to contain. Devine wisdom is necessary here.
We are optimistic that reconciliation can be achieved as long as each of them fears God,’’ he said.
The clerics appealed to the two businesspersons to be calm pending preparations to bring them together.
The clerics also cautioned religious fanatics in Dar es Salaam not to get involved in the controversy.
Bishop Sendoro chairs the five member committee and its secretary is Sheikh Mohamed.
