Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan said East African nations must 'stand firm' against cross-border youth protests, describing Gen Z-led movements as attempts to 'spread chaos' and destabilise the region.

Speaking at the Tanzania-Kenya Business Forum in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday, Hassan said she held talks with Kenyan President William Ruto to coordinate a response to regional unrest, including youth-led protests.

"These are undisciplined youths. We should not differentiate between Tanzanians or Kenyans. If they come to my side, I will deal with them firmly; if they go to your side, you should also deal with them firmly so that they can be disciplined," Hassan stated.

The Tanzanian leader stressed that democracy in East Africa must align with local 'customs and traditions', warning that foreign models are 'unsuitable' if they undermine public order or national identity.

"The word 'democracy' should not be used to destabilise our countries," Hassan said.

"Democracy in other parts of the world is different from ours here; we have our own customs and traditions that go hand in hand with democracy," she added. "Democracy has no single formula."

She further urged unity against 'wrongdoing', saying instability in Nairobi directly affects Dar es Salaam. "We must stand firm in protecting our countries," Samia concluded.

The remarks follow a wave of Gen Z-led protests that began in Kenya over tax hikes and governance issues before inspiring similar digital and street movements in neighbouring countries.