The TEC went further, warning that those in leadership positions who have failed to act should face consequences. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
Tanzania’s legacy as a peaceful haven is unraveling under an alarming surge in kidnappings and killings, igniting an urgent and fiery plea from the Catholic Church. The Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) issued a stark condemnation of the escalating violence, casting a harsh spotlight on the country’s leaders and security forces, calling for immediate action to restore Tanzania’s long-cherished status as an island of peace. The call to action comes as frustration boils over in the face of growing lawlessness.
During the closing ceremony of the Fifth Eucharistic Congress today, September 15, 2024, at Dar es Salaam’s Uhuru Stadium, TEC Vice President and Bishop of Mpanda, Eusebius Alfred Nzigilwa, voiced the concerns of many Tanzanians, sharply questioning the government’s ability to maintain control.
“For years, Tanzania was celebrated as a peaceful nation, a beacon of unity despite differences in religion, ethnicity, and ideology,” Nzigilwa remarked, “but today, we are witnessing a disturbing shift. The rise in kidnappings and murders forces us to ask: what has gone wrong? Have our leaders and security agencies lost their grip on law and order?”
The TEC’s declaration is not just a condemnation but a direct challenge to the country’s authorities, reflecting the collective frustration of a nation in turmoil. Nzigilwa’s words carried a pointed message to law enforcement:
"We refuse to believe that these criminal gangs are stronger than our security forces. We demand that those responsible for safeguarding the nation step up and restore the values of brotherhood and peace that once defined Tanzania." His message was clear—inaction is no longer an option.
The bishops’ call for accountability was unambiguous. They urged the government to launch a swift and thorough investigation into the violent crimes and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“We stand with local and international communities in demanding justice for these horrific acts. Human life is sacred, a gift from God, and it must be protected with every ounce of strength we possess,” Nzigilwa added, his words resonating deeply with a public growing increasingly disillusioned by what many see as governmental failure to uphold security and justice.
The TEC went further, warning that those in leadership positions who have failed to act should face consequences. “Leaders who have neglected their duties should be held accountable,” Nzigilwa said firmly. This sentiment echoes the growing dissatisfaction among Tanzanians, many of whom feel abandoned by those in power amid rising crime.
In a rare but significant moment of unity, the bishops also took the opportunity to honor national figures who have emerged from Catholic schools and gone on to become fearless leaders in the fight for justice and human rights.
Among those recognized were Chadema Vice Chairman Tundu Lissu, celebrated for his uncompromising stand against political repression, and Chadema Secretary General John Mnyika, who has consistently championed transparency and accountability in government. Dr. Emmanuel Nchimbi, the Secretary General of the ruling CCM, was also praised for his efforts to bridge political divides and unite the nation.
“These leaders, products of our Catholic educational system, have demonstrated remarkable courage and wisdom in their fight for the rights of the people. They are a testament to the values of justice and boldness we instill in our institutions,” Nzigilwa stated his praise of these prominent figures injecting a rare note of optimism into an otherwise somber event.
The bishops’ recognition of these leaders is particularly poignant in Tanzania’s current political climate, where divisions run deep, and tensions are high. Their acknowledgment sends a powerful message—that true leadership, regardless of political affiliation, must always be grounded in the defense of human dignity and the common good. It’s a call that is likely to resonate not only with the faithful but with civil society at large, as the country seeks a path out of its current malaise.
But the bishops' call for justice extends beyond recent violent crimes. In a separate but related matter, TEC also criticized the government’s controversial Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Dubai’s DP World, which grants the foreign company exclusive rights to manage Tanzania’s ports. This agreement has been met with fierce opposition from many Tanzanians, who view it as a betrayal of the nation’s sovereignty and a giveaway of critical national resources.
In July 2023, TEC Secretary General Fr. Charles Kitima voiced the bishops' concerns, stating that the agreement, ratified in June despite widespread public outcry, threatens the livelihoods of Tanzanians and undermines the country’s economic independence. "We have heard the voices of the majority of Tanzanians, who do not support this agreement, which hands over control of our ports to a foreign investor," Kitima said at a press conference, reading from a pastoral letter signed by 37 bishops.
The TEC's stance on the port deal is a direct response to what they see as the government ignoring the will of the people. "Investments that disregard the voice of the citizens bring suffering, as seen with the Maasai communities in Loliondo, where cultural and social rights have been violated," the bishops wrote.
Their reference to the Maasai's forced evictions, as reported by Amnesty International, underscores the Church’s broader concerns about human rights abuses tied to foreign investments in Tanzania. Amnesty’s June 2023 report highlighted how Tanzanian authorities have forcibly removed Maasai from their ancestral lands, using excessive force, arbitrary arrests, and detentions to clear the way for tourism and conservation projects.
The bishops’ call to action is clear: the government must prioritize the rights and well-being of its people over foreign investment interests. "The Maasai have suffered due to unproductive investments being given priority. This cannot continue," the bishops warned.
Tanzania stands at a critical juncture, where peace and unity hang in the balance. The Catholic Church, through the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), has emerged as a bold advocate, pushing for justice, accountability, and the preservation of human dignity. The TEC’s message is a clear warning to those in power and a rallying cry to the nation, reminding all that true leadership lies in the unwavering commitment to the values of justice, peace, and the collective good.