Tanzania’s Church prays for healing and reconciliation after deadly protests
As Tanzania continues to recover from days of violent protests that swept across the country, the Catholic Church has become a voice for peace and compassion amid grief and uncertainty. In the Archdiocese of Mbeya, one of the areas hardest hit by the unrest, parish priest Fr. Valerio Mwandanji of St. Matthew the Apostle Church celebrated a special Mass on November 9 to honor the lives lost during the demonstrations. “The people are calling for change,” he said, reflecting the pain and hope that have gripped his community.
The recent protests, sparked by disputed election results, have left a trail of devastation across Tanzania. Although Dar es Salaam and Dodoma have seen the most visible unrest, smaller southern towns within the Archdiocese of Mbeya have also suffered heavily. The region, known for its fertile farmland and rural communities, has largely stayed distant from the country’s political power struggles—until now.
Witnesses describe scenes of chaos as demonstrators clashed with security forces who responded with live ammunition. While official figures have yet to be released, Church sources estimate that more than a hundred people have died, with many others injured or missing. Fr. Mwandanji believes the real toll could be even higher, as families continue to search for loved ones. “How many have died? Certainly more than a hundred, though that’s surely an underestimate,” he told Vatican News.
For days, communication across the region was nearly impossible after the government ordered a nationwide internet shutdown. Social media platforms were blocked, and mobile networks were disrupted, making it difficult for families to locate relatives or access medical help. “During and after the clashes, many were taken for treatment or to be hidden,” Fr. Mwandanji said. “Earlier, that would have been impossible to know.”
Now, as shops reopen and public transport resumes, a fragile calm has returned. Yet beneath the surface, the wounds remain deep. The Church is focusing on offering both spiritual and practical support to victims’ families, providing food, shelter, and counseling. Local priests have also urged citizens to channel their anger into dialogue rather than violence, emphasizing the need for forgiveness and national unity.
Fr. Mwandanji described the Church’s mission as one of compassion and courage. “We pray for the souls of those who have died, and for peace to return to our land,” he said. “But prayer must also lead to action, justice, reconciliation, and respect for every human life.”
As Tanzania reflects on the turmoil, faith leaders hope that this painful chapter will give rise to renewed dialogue between citizens and authorities, grounded in the principles of dignity and peace that the Church continues to uphold.
