Church Leaders Demand Justice after Tanzania Election Unrest
Church Leaders Demand Justice after Tanzania Election Unrest
Church Groups Raise Alarm Over Post Election Violence
Church bodies in Tanzania and across the world now demand firm accountability after deadly state violence and grave human rights abuses that followed the disputed national election. Their statements have grown stronger since the 29 October protests as more reports point to repression, mass arrests and shrinking civic space.
Christian leaders from the World Council of Churches WCC, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania ELCT and Roman Catholic bishops say the killings, disappearances and destruction after the poll show a deep moral and humanitarian crisis. Rights groups estimate that security forces killed up to three thousand people and detained hundreds. The exact figures remain unclear because the government shut down the internet soon after the election.
Church leaders say Tanzania has never faced violence of this scale in recent years. They argue that the state must stop the use of live ammunition, restore basic freedoms and allow full investigations into every death and injury.
Rev Dr Alex Gehaz Malasusa, presiding bishop of the ELCT, said the church feels deep sorrow over the events. In a statement released on 12 November, he said the violence damaged the dignity and value of the people.
He recalled the days of chaos that swept across several regions after the vote. “Our country went through a difficult situation that had never occurred before,” he said. “There were riots that caused loss of life, injuries and the destruction of public and private property. There is no sufficient reason to explain the loss of life and destruction of property.”
He offered condolences to families who lost loved ones and expressed sympathy for those whose relatives remain missing. He also supported concerns raised by Roman Catholic bishops who criticised the harsh response from security agencies.
Global Faith Leaders Condemn the Crackdown
At the global level, the WCC has taken a clear and firm position. Its general secretary, Rev Prof Dr Jerry Pillay, said the church must defend the sanctity of human life without compromise. He condemned the killing of civilians who took part in peaceful protests and urged the government to stop using force against unarmed citizens.
He said no political process should ever justify the loss of innocent life. Prof Pillay urged the authorities to protect the freedoms of expression, assembly and association. He called for independent and credible investigations to uncover the truth and hold those responsible to account.
Prof Pillay said reports of widespread repression disturbed the global church community. He noted that mass arrests, intimidation and internet restrictions silenced citizens and limited civic space.
“No country moves forward by shutting down the voices of its people,” he said. “These reports call for urgent moral reflection and accountability.”
Rights groups warn that the death toll could be one of the highest in the nation’s history. Reports say more than three hundred people, including minors, now face treason charges. Many families still cannot trace missing relatives because the internet blackout blocked communication.
The government has not released official figures. President Samia Suluhu reportedly secured more than ninety per cent of the vote. Opposition groups and observer missions say the process lacked transparency.
A preliminary assessment by the African Union observer mission pointed to serious irregularities before and during the election. Observers noted the arrest of opposition leaders ahead of the vote, disruption of the polling process in some areas and the internet blackout on election day. The mission said these actions did not meet the standards of a free and fair election.
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Regional Concerns and Calls for Protection
The WCC says regional governments must help Tanzania pursue truth and reconciliation through peaceful means. The organisation offered support through its Tanzania chapter, the Christian Council of Tanzania, which continues to promote calm and dialogue.
In its statement, the WCC said faith based groups must guide the nation through truth telling, restraint and reconciliation. It said the prophetic role of the church requires leaders to stand with the oppressed, speak truth to power and help communities heal.
Across the border, Kenyan church leaders also raise concerns. The Pentecostal Voice of Kenya PVK warns that Kenyan nationals in Tanzania face growing danger. They accuse the Kenyan government of failing to protect its citizens during the unrest.
Habil Olembo, secretary general of PVK, said silence from regional leaders has worsened the crisis. He urged governments in East Africa to protect the rights of citizens living or travelling across borders.
“We call on foreign governments, especially our East African neighbours, to respect the basic rights and freedoms of Kenyans living in their countries,” he said. “Human right conventions must be upheld.”
The number of Kenyans affected remains unknown. Families say they struggle to obtain information and officials have released very few details.
A Demand for Truth and a Path to Healing
Silence from political leaders across the region has stirred fear that the crisis may deepen. Many church bodies say Tanzania cannot heal without truth, accountability and justice.
Across the country, communities want answers. They want transparency. They want assurance that such violence will never happen again.
For now, church leaders promise to keep speaking and to guide those who suffer. They say Tanzania stands at a critical moment. The decisions made in the coming weeks will shape the nation’s path for years to come.
Content Credit : Boluwatife Abiola
Image Credit : Google. Com
