The Catholic Church in Tanzania has condemned the killings of protesters during the country’s recent election-related unrest, urging the government to pursue justice and reconciliation rather than repression. Speaking during a funeral service in Dar es Salaam on Monday, Archbishop Jude Thaddaeus Ruwa’ichi called for national reflection, saying the cycle of violence must end. “Punishment for protests is not to shoot and kill,” the archbishop said. “Our nation needs healing, not more pain. Peace cannot exist without justice.”
The Church’s message follows weeks of deadly clashes between security forces and supporters of the opposition party CHADEMA, who have rejected the results of the October 29 general election. International observers said the polls fell short of international standards, citing voter intimidation, restricted opposition activity, and a lack of transparency in the vote count. President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the landslide winner with nearly 98% of the vote, after major opposition parties, including CHADEMA and ACT-Wazalendo, were barred from participating in several key constituencies.
CHADEMA claims that more than 2,000 people were killed and hundreds arrested, with many charged with treason. The government has not released official casualty figures, but has acknowledged that some deaths occurred. On Monday, CHADEMA’s deputy leader John Heche and three others were released on bail, while the treason trial of party leader Tundu Lissu was postponed after prosecution witnesses failed to appear, citing security concerns.
Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi announced on Sunday that the government would launch national dialogue efforts aimed at restoring peace, though he did not specify which parties or organizations would be included. The opposition, however, insists it will boycott any talks unless there is a credible investigation into the killings and the release of political prisoners. The Catholic Church, which represents a large portion of Tanzania’s 65 million citizens, has long played a mediating role in political crises across East Africa. Church leaders have now called for a period of prayer and national repentance, ahead of planned Independence Day protests on December 9. “We must face the truth of what has happened,” Archbishop Ruwa’ichi said. “Justice and accountability are the only foundations for a peaceful Tanzania.”
