Catholic dioceses across Tanzania held special Masses to pray for the eternal rest of those who died in the violent clashes during the October 29, 2025, General Election, which resulted in fatalities, injuries, and significant damage to infrastructure. The Masses were organized according to directives issued by diocesan bishops, with prayers focused on offering comfort to the injured and urging the nation to reflect on the tragic events to prevent future violence.
In the Archdiocese of Mbeya, the Mass took place on November 9th at the Mwanjelwa Shrine, while the Diocese of Musoma held its Mass at Mugumo Parish on the same day. In Dar es Salaam, the Mass was held on November 10th at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, with other dioceses, including Arusha, also participating in similar services. These Masses provided an opportunity for the Catholic community to pray for the deceased, console victims, and support the families affected by the violence.
Archbishop Gervas Nyaisonga of Mbeya Archdiocese expressed deep sorrow for the victims and urged Tanzanians to reflect on the nation’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 stated. He outlined six intentions for the Mass, which included: 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 for national healing.
In Dar es Salaam, Archbishop Jude Thaddaeus Ruwa’ichi, OFM. Cap, spoke passionately about the nation’s wounds and the unacceptable nature of the violence. “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 stressed the importance of justice in achieving true peace, saying, “There can be no peace without justice.”
During the Mass in Dar es Salaam, Archbishop Ruwa’ichi lit the Paschal Candle, symbolizing Christ’s light for the deceased. Families of the victims also lit smaller candles in memory of their loved ones.
In a Pastoral letter issued on November 7, Archbishop Isaac Amani of Arusha Archdiocese called for special Masses to mourn those who died in the election violence. He highlighted the shock and sorrow the attacks caused, stressing the need for both spiritual and psychological support for the affected families. He urged prayers for the injured, the bereaved, and the children who witnessed the violence, and emphasized the sanctity of human life, recalling the biblical story of Cain and Abel to remind people of how anger and hatred destroy brotherhood.
Bishop Michael Msonganzila of Musoma reflected on the failure to respect life during the election violence, saying, “All who were killed were created in God’s image. Life is a precious gift that must be protected, not destroyed with weapons.”
The bishops reiterated that genuine peace cannot exist without justice. They stressed that every citizen has a duty to uphold justice and protect peace, to prevent further tragedies like those witnessed during the 2025 election violence.
These Masses highlight the Catholic Church’s ongoing role in Tanzania as a source of hope, comfort, and spiritual guidance, emphasizing the value of life, the importance of justice, and the need for social cohesion before, during, and after the election period.
Tanzania held its General Election on November 29, with Mama Samia Suluhu Hassan declared 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. As of now, authorities have not released the official death toll or the value of the property damaged during the violence.
