TANZANIA: Archbishop Nyaisonga Calls on Youth to Resist Evil Acts Ahead of Election
Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Mbeya, Archbishop Gervas Nyaisonga.
By Dalphina Rubyema
Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Mbeya, Archbishop Gervas Nyaisonga, has warned youth against being used in any way to engage in evil acts, including abductions and the killing of innocent people, especially during this period as the nation approaches the General Election.
This statement comes in the wake of a wave of killings and abductions of innocent people in Tanzania incidents, which, according to law enforcement authorities, are being carried out by unknown individuals.
He made these remarks on August 20, 2025, while opening the Sixth National Congress of Catholic Young Workers held at the Catholic University of Mbeya (CUoM), which was attended by approximately 4,200 participants.
Archbishop Nyaisonga also condemned the tendency of young people to get involved in illegal businesses, alcohol abuse, and other immoral activities that lead to moral decay. Instead, he urged them to do good and fight against evils that disrupt peace, emphasizing that this should be done with God’s guidance.
In preparation for the General Election scheduled for October 29 this year, Archbishop Nyaisonga called on young people to have a clear conscience throughout the election process and to ensure that those they support and elect are also people of integrity.
Emphasizing his warning against participation in killings, Archbishop Nyaisonga said “do not take part in the sin of murder or abduction, for no one has the right over another person’s life.”
He stressed the need to end the killing, abduction, and torture of innocent people, stating that such acts are sins before God.
“Do not participate in the sin of killing or abduction, which often involves youth… You are Catholic young workers; in all your tasks, do not allow yourselves to be used to kill, abduct, or torture others. If you take part, know that you are committing a grave sin,” he insisted.
