Tanzanian President Mama Samia Suluhu has finally stated her position on the contentious issue of homosexuality.
"Adults are free to exercise their bodies but shouldn't play with children," Ms Suluhu says.
While she did not state whether Tanzania supports or opposes homosexuality, she feels East Africa is at a crossroads due to Western society's influence.
"Everyone is at liberty of his or her body," Ms Suluhu said in a video message. But I beg everyone involved to quit defrauding our children. Why aren't you going to your male counterparts? Stop this. Our children should not be spoilt."
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She is adamant that adults shouldn't participate in such behaviours with children since it will only harm them.
The principal concern of President Suluhu is the impact such actions will have on the country's future economic progress.
She stated, "This country (Tanzania) needs a future labor force for it to prosper more economically. Who will lead this country if all of our children are lured into the evil borrowed culture? Women by themselves? That is not a possibility."
She is concerned that the LGBTQ movement will hurt the country's population, stifling its expansion.
Ms Suluhu's remarks come when other East African countries, including Kenya and Uganda, are dealing with similar problems.
Kenyan President William Ruto and his deputy, Mr Rigathi Gachagua, have spoken out against same-sex marriage, with churches also entering the fight.
In Kenya, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma developed a bill to criminalize homosexuality and impose harsh penalties such as life imprisonment or the death sentence.
Meanwhile, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has already signed legislation criminalizing homosexuality and imposing harsh penalties on those found guilty.
