The Catholic Church in Tanzania has issued a powerful condemnation of the deadly force used against protesters following a fiercely disputed general election, declaring that sustainable peace cannot exist without justice.
Archbishop's Funeral Service Condemnation
During a funeral service held on Monday, 10th November 2025, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dar es Salaam, Archbishop Jude Thaddaeus Ruwa’ichi addressed the nation's escalating crisis. He emphasised the country’s urgent need for healing and directly challenged the state’s response to dissent, stating that "The punishment for protests is not to shoot and kill."
Opposition Casualties and Legal Proceedings
The main opposition party, Chadema, has reported a devastating human cost, claiming that at least 2,000 people died during the protests, with many hundreds more arrested and charged with treason.
In a significant development on Monday, several top opposition figures were released on bond. This included Chadema's deputy leader, John Heche, who had been detained before the elections on accusations of planning protests. Meanwhile, the high-profile treason case against the primary opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, was postponed after witnesses for the prosecution failed to appear in court, citing security concerns.
Government Calls for Dialogue Amidst Stalemate
As tensions remain high, Tanzania's Vice President, Emmanuel Nchimbi The opposition has maintained a firm position, refusing to engage in any talks without a prior government commitment to addressing issues of justice. With further protests planned for the country's upcoming Independence Day on December 9th, the standoff shows no immediate signs of resolution. International observers have previously noted that the election fell short of being considered free and fair.
