Catholic Bishops in Tanzania Decry Continued Abductions, Urge Government to Safeguard Right to Life

Dar es Salaam, 16 October, 2025 / 9:13 PM

The Justice and Peace Commission (CJPC) of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) has called on Tanzanian authorities to address rampant abductions and disappearances in the East African nation.

Speaking on Tuesday, October 14, during Holy Mass for the Catholic Men Pilgrimage at Visiga Seminary in his Metropolitan See, Archbishop Jude Thaddaeus Ruwa’ichi who chairs the TEC commission warned that the continued acts of violence threaten the right to life and the dignity of the human person.

“The Justice and Peace Commission of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference, which I chair, is saddened by the continued incidents of people being abducted and disappearing in various parts of our country,” said the Local Ordinary of the Archdiocese of Dar-es-Salaam.

He noted that the “abductions appear to be orchestrated by organized groups” that continue to execute “these acts of evil with impunity.”

“Such crimes violate the most fundamental human right, the right to life,” he said, expressing concern that “those sworn to protect life” have failed to publicly condemn or take firm action to end the atrocities.

He said, “For over two years, these incidents have persisted, leaving Tanzanians wondering how abductors could be more powerful than the nation’s security organs and those entrusted to guarantee peace and hope.”

“We remind everyone that every human life manifests the glory of God. Each person is created in God’s image and likeness—and therefore, no one has the right or authority to take away another person’s life,” stated the member of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (OFM Cap).

Archbishop Ruwa’chi emphasized that the government of the East African nation has a constitutional mandate “to protect every person’s right to life, as affirmed in Article 14 of the Constitution of Tanzania.”

“The Bishops call upon the government to ensure the safety and protection of the right to life for all, without any form of discrimination. We urge the government to uphold the rule of law and to respect the fundamental human rights of all,” he said in his October 14 statement.

In October 2024, the Secretary General of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) in an interview with ACI Africa, emphasized the need for government officials to denounce the ongoing kidnappings and killings of politicians in the East African nation.

One of the incidents at the time was the killing of Ali Mohamed Kibao, a senior member of the main opposition Chadema party, who was found dead after two armed men forced him off a bus heading from Dar es Salaam to Tanzania’s city of Tanga.

A recent Reuters report reveals that several government critics in Tanzania who have announced their intention to seek re-election in the upcoming October 29 polls have gone missing since last year, with opposition parties accusing authorities of orchestrating a series of abductions.

The Tanzanian government dismissed allegations by Human Rights Watch, in a statement issued on September 29, that it was targeting its critics ahead of the election and described accounts of abductions as "a major source of concern for the government."

Meanwhile, in his October 15 statement, Archbishop Ruwai’chi reflected on Tanzania’s upcoming 2025 General Election, scheduled to take place on October 29.

The CJPC chairman urged the people of God in Tanzania to be guided by truth, conscience, and faith when exercising their civic duties.

“A general election is a constitutional event through which citizens entrust leaders with the responsibility of governing the nation,” he said.

He added, “As we approach the general election, I appeal to all citizens to be guided by a pure and living conscience, one enlightened by truth, the fear of God, respect for human dignity, and love for national unity.”

“Both voters and candidates are called to honor their conscience in this matter of the election. Do not be swayed by threats, bribery, or any form of coercion,” said the Tanzanian-born Catholic Church leader, who began his Episcopal Ministry in May 1999 in the Catholic Diocese of Mbulu.

He appealed to the government and all political actors in the country to prioritize dialogue as a means of protecting citizens’ political rights.

He said, “The power of the people lies not in violence or deceit, but in reason and moral conviction. Ignoring the cries of the people brings no health or progress to our nation.” 

“The time for dialogue is now; it is not too late to correct our ways or to do good. True humility before the people is built upon transparency and truth. A humble leader is an honest one, and an honest leader earns the trust of all,” said Archbishop Ruwai’chi.