Catholic Church condemns election-related killings in Tanzania as calls for justice mount

Speaking during a special mass held at Saint Joseph’s Cathedral in Dar es Salaam to pray for the victims, Archbishop Yuda Thaddeus Ruwaichi — who also chairs the Commission for Justice and Peace of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference — decried what he described as “senseless killings” that have deeply wounded the country’s moral fabric.

“There are people who were killed while demonstrating, but the punishment for demonstrating is not being shot dead,” Archbishop Ruwaichi said. “Others were followed and murdered in their own homes. That does not reflect the true image of Tanzania at all. It has no explanation, no forgiveness — it is an abomination before God.”

The archbishop emphasized that genuine peace cannot exist without justice, urging national leaders to prioritize truth and accountability as the foundation for reconciliation.

“There is no peace without justice,” he said. “Justice is the necessary foundation of peace.”

His remarks come as the government, through Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi, announced plans to pursue reconciliation in the wake of post-election tensions. However, civil society groups and political observers continue to call for independent investigations into the alleged abuses.

Former Botswana President Ian Khama also weighed in on the controversy, declaring that he does not recognize President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration, describing her leadership as “illegitimate.”

“It is totally unacceptable when an African leader, in order to stay in power, would resort to killing his own people and rig an election,” Khama said in a statement.

Archbishop Ruwaichi lamented the loss of life and dignity suffered during the unrest, saying the violence had tarnished Tanzania’s longstanding reputation as a peaceful nation.

“We have lost dignity because of what happened during the week of the general election,” he said. “Not only have we lost dignity, but we have also lost people who were killed arbitrarily.”

Meanwhile, in a related development, the treason case against opposition leader Tundu Lissu was postponed after he was not brought to court as scheduled. His lawyer, Dr. Rugemeleza Nshala, told reporters that the proceedings were delayed because witnesses could not appear in court due to what authorities cited as security concerns.