“We stand with you in mourning”: AMECEA Bishops Express Solidarity with Victims of Election-Related Violence in Tanzania

Dar es Salaam, 15 November, 2025 / 10:38 PM

Members of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) have expressed solidarity with the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) and the people of God in the East African nation in the wake of election-related violence following the country’s disputed October 29 general elections.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, November 12 and addressed to TEC President, Bishop Wolfgang Pisa, the Chairman of AMECEA says, “I write to express our profound solidarity with you, our brothers of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference, the bereaved families, those nursing injuries, those still missing and all the people of Tanzania during this extraordinarily difficult and painful moment in your nation's history.”

“The recent tragic events following the General Elections on October 29th, 2025, have deeply grieved us all. These events, which triggered days of violent protests and have resulted in the loss of precious lives, numerous injuries, and widespread suffering, have deeply grieved us all,” Bishop Charles Sampa Kasonde says. 

Bishop Kasonde says that the Catholic Church leaders in the nine AMECEA countries “stand with you in mourning those who have died, and we commend their souls to the infinite mercy and loving embrace of Almighty God.”

“We journey with you in prayers for those who continue to recover from their injuries—both physical and emotional. Our thoughts and prayers extend equally to all who have been traumatized by these tragic events, that they may find peace and hope in the midst of their suffering,” the Local Ordinary of Zambia’s Solwezi Catholic Diocese further says.

Demonstrations reportedly spread across Tanzania for several days following the October 29 vote, as citizens took to the streets to protest an election that, according to foreign observers, fell short of democratic standards after key opposition figures were barred from participating.

At least 240 people were reportedly charged with treason in connection with the deadly protests, while human rights groups allege that thousands were killed in the post-election violence, and warn that some victims may have been buried in secret mass graves.

In his November 12 message, the Chairman of AMECEA says, “Tanzania has long been admired throughout our region and beyond as a beacon of stability, peaceful coexistence, and national unity.”

For him, “The current crisis threatens not only this noble legacy but also the very fabric of brotherhood and sisterhood that has characterized Tanzanian society.”

“As fellow shepherds in the region, we wish to assure you of our unwavering solidarity. When one member suffers, we all suffer together. Continue to be prophetic voices for truth, justice, and reconciliation in your country. Continue to be ministers of comfort to the suffering, advocates for the voiceless. Continue to be beacons of hope in the darkness,” the Zambian-born Catholic Bishop says.

He continues, “The entire AMECEA family stands with you, prays for you, and supports you in your pastoral ministry during this challenging time.”

“May the God of all consolation strengthen you, and may the Holy Spirit guide all Tanzanians toward the paths of peace, justice, and reconciliation,” Bishop Kasonde implores.