The Catholic Church in Tanzania has condemned the recent killings of protesters, warning that peace cannot prevail without justice. During a funeral service at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dar es Salaam on Monday, Archbishop Jude Thaddaeus Ruwa’ichi urged national healing, declaring that “the punishment for protests is not to shoot and kill.”
The condemnation follows violent clashes after a disputed general election that international observers said failed to meet democratic standards.
Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema, claimed that at least 2,000 people were killed during the unrest, while hundreds were arrested and charged with treason.
Among those detained was Chadema’s deputy leader, John Heche, who was released on bond on Monday after being held for alleged involvement in protest planning.
The treason case against the party’s leader, Tundu Lissu, was also postponed when prosecution witnesses failed to appear, citing security concerns.
Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi announced on Sunday that the government would initiate dialogue to promote peace, though he provided no details on who would participate.
Opposition leaders dismissed the call, insisting that talks would be meaningless without accountability for the killings and the release of all political detainees. The unrest has deepened Tanzania’s political divide, with growing fears that the crisis could escalate as Independence Day approaches on December 9.
Church leaders and rights advocates continue to urge restraint, calling on authorities to respect human life and democratic freedoms. Their message echoes a familiar warning in the region — that justice, not silence, is the foundation of peace.