The Catholic Church in Tanzania on Monday condemned the recent killings of protesters, warning that peace cannot exist without justice, as the government calls for dialogue following a disputed general election criticized by international observers as neither free nor fair.
According to The Associated Press, during a funeral service at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dar es Salaam, Archbishop Jude Thaddaeus Ruwa’ichi urged national healing and restraint. “The punishment for protests is not to shoot and kill,” he said.
Opposition party Chadema claims at least 2,000 people were killed in the protests, with hundreds more arrested and charged with treason.
On Monday, several opposition leaders, including Chadema deputy leader John Heche — arrested before the election on accusations of planning protests — were released on bond. The treason case against the main opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, was postponed after prosecution witnesses failed to appear, citing security concerns.
Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi said Sunday that the government would begin dialogue to promote peace, though he offered no details on who would participate. The opposition has refused to join talks without assurances of justice.
More demonstrations are planned for Tanzania’s Independence Day on Dec. 9.
