Tanzania: The Catholic Diocese of Mbeya has called on all parishes, Catholic institutions, and the faithful to join in a day of prayer this Sunday in remembrance of those who lost their lives and those injured during the recent post-election unrest in the country.
Father Henry Mwalyenga, Chancellor of Mbeya Diocese, conveyed the message in KiSwahili, emphasizing that the Sunday observances should be marked by faith, solidarity, and love. The diocesan notice urges parish communities to dedicate their prayers to the deceased and the wounded, fostering a spirit of collective healing and reflection.
The 32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time, falling on 9 November 2025, will feature a special diocesan Mass at 9:00 AM at Kanisa la Hija, Mwanjelwa Catholic Church in Mbeya. The Mass, presided over by the Archbishop and the Auxiliary Bishop, invites the faithful from all parishes, particularly those in Mafinga and Mporoto, to participate fully. “Let our prayers invoke God’s mercy for the souls of the departed and ask for the recovery of those injured,” Fr. Mwalyenga wrote, urging the community to join in with heartfelt faith, unity, and love.
The call for prayer comes in the wake of unprecedented violence following Tanzania’s 29 October 2025 national elections. According to an Associated Press analysis on 6 November 2025, the country continues to grapple with unrest and uncertainty. Reports indicate that security forces clashed with opposition supporters, leaving hundreds dead, according to the main opposition party, Chadema. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who assumed office in 2021, officially received over 97% of the vote, while key rivals were barred from running amid claims of political repression. International human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have reported enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and extrajudicial killings in the aftermath of the vote.
The Mbeya Diocese’s initiative seeks to bring spiritual solace to those affected by the turmoil, emphasizing prayer as a tool for healing and reconciliation in a period of national sorrow.