TANZANIA: Bishops Celebrate Mass for victims of Post-election Violence, Call for Respect of Human Life
By Dalphina Rubyema
Catholic Dioceses across Tanzania have celebrated special Masses to pray for the eternal rest of those who died during the October 29, 2025, General Election violence, which left several dead, others injured, and infrastructure destroyed.
The Masses were held according to directives issued by diocesan bishops, with intentions including praying for comfort for the injured and urging national reflection to prevent future threats to peace and unity.
In the Archdiocese of Mbeya, the Mass took place on 9th November at the Mwanjelwa Shrine. The Diocese of Musoma held its Mass the same day at Mugumo Parish, while Dar es Salaam held its celebration on November 10th at St. Joseph’s Cathedral. Other dioceses, including Arusha, also held Masses to pray for the deceased, console victims, and support families who lost loved ones.
Archbishop Gervas Nyaisonga of Mbeya Archdiocese consoled victims and urged Tanzanians to reflect on the country’s state after the tragic events.
“These clashes, which caused deaths and injuries, have drawn international media attention. This shows the need for national self-examination because such violence harms our country,” he said.
He described the sorrow witnessed as crowds bought coffins and joined long funeral processions.
He outlined six intentions of the Mass, which are: – Praying for the deceased, comforting the injured, seeking God’s help in finding the missing, consoling those who lost property, calling the nation to self-reflection, and asking God for national healing.
In Dar es Salaam, Archbishop Jude Thaddaeus Ruwa’ichi, OFM. Cap, said the nation has been wounded and innocent people harmed or killed.
“Some were killed while demonstrating, yet the penalty for demonstrating is not a bullet… Others were hunted and killed inside their own homes. Such acts do not reflect Tanzania and are unacceptable before God because they violate human dignity,” he said. He reminded the faithful that true peace cannot exist without justice.
“We often talk about peace without justice, but there can be no peace without justice. Justice is the foundation of peace,” he said, warning those who cause or support violence against the innocent.
During the Mass, Archbishop Ruwa’ichi lit the Paschal Candle as a symbol of Christ’s light for the deceased. Families who lost loved ones lit smaller candles in their memory.
In a Pastoral letter issued on November 7, Archbishop Isaac Amani of Arusha Archdiocese emphasized the need for special Masses for those who died in the election violence. He noted that the attacks caused deep sorrow and shocked the world, highlighting the need for spiritual and psychological support.
The letter calls for continued prayer for the injured, bereaved families, and children traumatized by witnessing violence in their homes.
He stressed that human life is sacred and must be protected, recalling the biblical story of Cain and Abel as a reminder of how anger and hatred destroy brotherhood.
The letter also notes that some victims are now permanently disabled, some families lost breadwinners, and many children witnessed bloodshed. He prayed for healing of body and soul and strength to support one another.
“May God receive the departed and heal the injured… how will these children receive psychological help? What kind of citizens will they become? Let us pray for all who witnessed bullets taking lives and ask for God’s healing,” it led part of the letter.
The letter urges citizens to embrace love, responsibility, and social solidarity to protect the nation’s well-being.
Bishop Michael Msonganzila of Musoma said the killings during the election violence reflect a failure to respect life, contrary to God’s will.
“All who were killed were created in God’s image. Life is a precious gift that must be protected, not destroyed with weapons,” he said.
The bishops stress that genuine peace cannot exist without justice, and every citizen has a duty to protect it so the nation remains safe from wounds like those seen during the 2025 election violence.
The Masses highlight how the Catholic Church in Tanzania continued role as a source of hope, comfort, and spiritual guidance, emphasizing the value of life, justice, and social cohesion before, during, and after the election period.
It should be noted that Tanzania held its General Election on November 29th this year, and the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC) declared Mama Samia Suluhu Hassan to be the winner of the Presidential Position. However, the election was marred by violence that disrupted peace, leading to the loss of lives, injuries, and destruction of property and infrastructure. To date, authorities have not released the number of people killed nor the value of the property damaged.
