Key points:
- The United Methodist Church in Tanzania is calling on Tanzanians to pray, reconcile and heal as a nation after deadly clashes during October elections.
- The church is mobilizing to pray, teach peace and ease tensions.
- Bishop Mande Muyombo recalled Tanzania’s peaceful character and expressed confidence in the country’s resilience.
As Tanzania grapples with the aftermath of violence and tensions following the country’s recent election process, United Methodists are sending a message of hope, prayer and reconciliation.
Bishop Mande Muyombo — who oversees the North Katanga Episcopal Area that includes Tanzania — recalled the deeply peaceful nature of the country and expressed confidence in the nation’s ability to overcome this challenging period.
“The United Republic of Tanzania has always been a country of peace,” Muyombo said. “Tanzania has returned to normal, and the country’s political and religious authorities have called for calm and peace.”
On Oct. 29, the day of Tanzania's parliamentary and presidential elections, violent protests broke out in several major cities, including Dar es Salaam, Mbeya and Mwanza, following allegations of fraud and massive irregularities in the voting. According to the opposition and various human rights organizations, security forces responded to the often-peaceful protests by firing live ammunition, killing hundreds. Some estimates put the death toll over 1,000.
At the same time, a five-day nationwide internet blackout was imposed, drastically limiting communication and access to real-time information, which reinforced a climate of oppression and fear among the population. This massive use of force and censorship drew strong international criticism, as well as calls for transparency and respect for fundamental rights.
The Tanzanian authorities have not released an official death toll but have charged several hundred protesters — some with treason, an offense punishable by death. In several regions of the country, communities have reported tensions and loss of life linked to post-election clashes.
While the political situation now appears to be calming down, the moral wounds remain deep. Against a backdrop of severe political repression over several years, this crisis has plunged the country into deep social division, reigniting fears that democratic governance and the protection of civil liberties could be in peril. These events have not only affected national stability but also impacted regional economies and relations, exacerbating an already fragile climate in East Africa.
In response to the situation, The United Methodist Church in Tanzania has mobilized to play a role in spiritual and social healing.
Asaph Sungura, communicator for the Tanzania Conference, said the hope is for the church to calm people’s spirits and remind everyone to continue their work in peace.
“There was one Sunday when we did not pray. The Sunday after the elections, yes, we did not celebrate in church,” he said. “What the church is doing is praying to God for peace in the country. We also teach face to face, one on one, mainly about peace, tranquility and justice. We urged people not to gather for too long, to avoid stirring up division.”
During a Nov. 9 service, the Rev. Isaac Ibrahim, superintendent of the Dar es Salaam District, also called on the faithful to preserve peace and act justly toward others.
“No development is possible without peace,” he said.
He encouraged members to work diligently while praying for the restoration of peace in their communities, declaring that “peace is the fruit of justice” and everyone must “do good and respect government guidelines to maintain national harmony.”
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This approach, centered on prayer, prudence and solidarity, aims to prevent further divisions while promoting moral and community healing.
One parishioner, who wished to remain anonymous for security reasons, testified: “We are still in a difficult situation. It is very difficult to get an accurate picture of reality because we were confined ... . Our hearts are hurting; we need to heal our hearts.”
Faced with this reality, The United Methodist Church in Tanzania continues its pastoral and humanitarian work with affected families. Church leaders encourage the faithful to remain peacemakers and to pray for national healing. Through its local parishes, the church continues to organize times of prayer to promote reconciliation and restore trust.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan called on the nation to seek peace and mutual understanding, while announcing the creation of a commission of inquiry into the post-election violence. In her address to Parliament in Dodoma, she said she wanted to shed light on the events of Oct. 29.
“I am deeply saddened by those who lost their lives in the violence that occurred that day,” she said. “The commission’s report will guide us toward a dialogue conducive to reconciliation and peace.”
Recognizing the pain of families and the anger felt throughout society, Hassan also called for more humane treatment of the young protesters arrested during the unrest.
“I understand that many of the young people arrested and charged with treason were unaware of the significance of their actions,” she told lawmakers. “As the mother of the nation, I urge law enforcement agencies — and in particular the office of the police director — to carefully consider the seriousness of the offenses committed by our young people. As for those who clearly joined the movement without criminal intent, let them erase their mistakes.”
Religious leaders from other denominations also raised their voices against the abuses committed and called on the state to respect human dignity.
The World Council of Churches, whose members include The United Methodist Church, issued a statement on Nov. 5 expressing deep concern over the violence and loss of life and said it stands in solidarity with the people of Tanzania in their pursuit of peace, justice and transparent governance.
“The sanctity of human life — a gift from God — must be protected at all times, and no political process should ever justify the shedding of innocent blood,” said the Rev. Jerry Pillay, the ecumenical group’s top executive, in the statement.
“The prophetic mission of the church is to stand with the oppressed, speak truth to power, and accompany the people toward healing and restoration.”
Londe is a UM News correspondent in Congo.
News media contact: Julie Dwyer at [email protected]. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free UM News Digest.
