Dar es Salaam: As Tanzania marked Nyerere Day honouring the legacy of the nation’s founding father, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere Archbishop Jude Thaddaeus Ruwa’ichi of the Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam issued a fervent appeal to the government and citizens alike. During a solemn Holy Mass, the Archbishop called for an immediate end to the wave of abductions and disappearances that have plagued the nation over the past two years, describing them as a “direct assault on human dignity and the sanctity of life.”
Speaking in his capacity as Chairperson of the Justice and Peace Commission of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), Archbishop Ruwa’ichi urged the government to take decisive action to protect its citizens. “Every life is sacred, and every disappearance is a wound to the moral conscience of our nation,” he declared. He lamented the growing sense of fear and helplessness among Tanzanians as kidnappings continue unchecked, stressing that such crimes erode public trust in state institutions.
“It is heartbreaking to witness families living in uncertainty, not knowing the fate of their loved ones,” he said. “These kidnappings appear to be carried out by groups intent on spreading terror, yet we hear no firm condemnation or effective response from the very authorities entrusted with our safety.”
Nyerere Day, observed annually on October 14, is a day of reflection on the values of unity, justice, and equality espoused by Julius Nyerere the Father of the Nation and a global advocate of human rights. In 2005, Pope Benedict XVI declared Nyerere a Servant of God, initiating the process toward potential sainthood. Archbishop Ruwa’ichi invoked Nyerere’s moral leadership, urging the nation to draw inspiration from his example of integrity and service to the people.
“On this day, we not only commemorate Mwalimu Nyerere’s life but also examine our collective conscience,” he stated. “The authority of any government is derived from its people. It exists to nurture and protect their well-being without bias or discrimination.”
With Tanzania’s general elections approaching on October 29, 2025, Archbishop Ruwa’ichi used the occasion to remind citizens of their moral duty in choosing leaders. He underscored that elections are meaningful only when those elected are committed to safeguarding life, promoting justice, and protecting the weak.
“I appeal to all Tanzanians: Let your vote be guided by conscience by truth, integrity, and the fear of God,” he said. “Do not be influenced by threats, bribes, or political intimidation. Remember that leadership is a sacred trust, not a prize to be bought or sold.”
He further urged political leaders and government officials to respect Article 21 of the Tanzanian Constitution, which guarantees the political rights of all citizens. Dialogue, he emphasized, must replace hostility and division in addressing electoral concerns.
In concluding his homily, Archbishop Ruwa’ichi reminded the faithful that the fight against injustice and corruption begins with individual moral courage. “The path forward for Tanzania lies not only in government action but in the renewal of our national soul,” he said. “Each of us is called to live by conscience to uphold justice, protect life, and build the peaceful, dignified nation that Nyerere envisioned.”
His words on Nyerere Day served as both a tribute and a challenge a call for moral awakening amid the nation’s political and social trials, reminding Tanzania that faith and justice must walk hand in hand.