WCC News: WCC expresses deep concern over violence following elections in Tanzania

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed deep concern and sorrow over post-election violence and the use of lethal force in Tanzania. A young child rests in its mother's arms during Sunday service in the Moshi Lutheran Cathedral, in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania’s northern diocese. Photo: Albin Hillert/LWF 05 November 2025 “Reports of widespread protests, excessive use of force by security agencies, and numerous civilian casualties are deeply distressing and call for urgent moral reflection and accountability,” he said. “The WCC joins the Tanzanian churches and the wider ecumenical family in mourning the lives lost and condemning the use of lethal force against citizens exercising their legitimate rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.” Pillay noted that the sanctity of human life — a gift from God — must be protected at all times. “We are gravely troubled by reports indicating widespread repression, including mass arrests, intimidation, and restrictions on internet access, which have further constrained civic space and silenced voices of dissent,” Pillay said. “The exclusion of major opposition parties and candidates in the electoral process undermines the integrity of democracy and contradicts the principles of justice, fairness, and participation that are essential to good governance." Pillay affirmed the role of the Christian Council of Tanzania and other faith-based organizations that continue to call for restraint, dialogue, and reconciliation. He called on the Tanzanian government to “cease all forms of violence and the use of live ammunition against unarmed civilians,” and to guarantee “the protection of human rights, including freedoms of expression, assembly, and association.” Pillay also called on the Tanzanian government to allow “independent investigations into the events leading to civilian deaths and injuries and ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” and to “engage in inclusive national dialogue with opposition parties, civil society, and faith leaders to restore public trust and chart a peaceful way forward.” He further urged the African Union, East African Community, and international partners to accompany the people and government of Tanzania in pursuing truth, accountability, and reconciliation through peaceful and constructive means. “The WCC prays that the leaders and citizens of Tanzania will find courage to uphold these values and to seek peace rooted in justice, dignity, and respect for all,” Pillay concluded. “We stand ready to accompany our member churches and partners in Tanzania in efforts toward healing, dialogue, and peacebuilding, trusting that God’s justice will prevail and that the light of peace will once again shine upon the nation.” World Council of Churches Statement on the Post-Election Violence and Use of Lethal Force in Tanzania WCC member churches in Tanzania See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland