Church groups have condemned what they describe as grave human rights abuses and deadly state violence in Tanzania, urging authorities to halt the crackdown and protect basic freedoms following a disputed national election.

In statements issued by national and global church bodies — including the World Council of Churches (WCC), the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), and Roman Catholic bishops — the Christian leaders said the killings, arrests and destruction that followed the Oct. 29 protests mark an unprecedented moral and humanitarian crisis for the country. Rights groups estimate that several thousands were killed and hundreds detained, prompting calls for an immediate end to the use of live ammunition against civilians, restoration of constitutional rights, and independent investigations into all deaths and injuries.

Rev. Dr Alex Gehaz Malasusa, presiding bishop of the over 6 million-member Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania, said the church was saddened and distressed by the occurrences, which compromised the people’s dignity, respect and human value.

“We all remember that on that day and the following days, our country went through a difficult situation that had never occurred before in its history,” Malasusa said in a Nov. 12 statement. “There were riots that caused loss of life, injuries and the destruction of public and private property. There is no sufficient reason to explain the loss of life and destruction of property.”

The presiding bishop expressed the denomination’s condolences for the deaths and prayers for the disappearances and destruction of property. He joined other churches — including Roman Catholic bishops — in condemning the violence and the government’s brutal response to the protests.

“The sanctity of human life — a gift from God — must be protected at all times, and no political process should ever justify the shedding of innocent blood,” said Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, in response to reports that citizens protesting on election day had been killed and some arrested.

The WCC called on the Tanzanian government to immediately cease all forms of violence and stop using live ammunition against unarmed civilians. The religious body demanded guarantees for the protection of fundamental human rights, including freedoms of expression, assembly, and association. It also called for independent investigations into civilian deaths and injuries, with accountability for those responsible.

Prof. Pillay expressed shock at the scale of violence and arbitrary human rights violations unfolding in Tanzania.

"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.

"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," he added.

No official number of deaths and arrests have been reported but rights groups have estimated that up to 3,000 people were killed by the police, marking one of the deadliest episodes in the country's recent history. Over 300 people, including minors, have been detained and are being charged with treason following the deadly protests.

The Tanzanian government's decision to shut down internet access after the disputed poll made it nearly impossible to verify information about those detained or killed. President Samia Suluhu reportedly secured 98% of the vote in the controversial election.

Observer missions by the African Union noted massive irregularities in the run up and during the elections. In their preliminary report, the body said that the election malpractices including detaining opposition leaders before the poll, the interruption of the polling process in some parts of the country, and the internet shutdown on election day was not in line with the principles of a free and fair election.

The WCC urged regional governments to support Tanzania in pursuing truth, accountability, and reconciliation through peaceful means. The organization offered to assist in this process through its Tanzania chapter, the Christian Council of Tanzania.

"We affirm the role of the Christian Council of Tanzania (CCT) and other faith-based organizations that continue to call for restraint, dialogue, and reconciliation amid growing tensions. The prophetic mission of the church is to stand with the oppressed, speak truth to power, and accompany the people toward healing and restoration," the WCC said.

On their part, the Pentecostal Voice of Kenya, a coalition of Kenyan Pentecostal leaders, raised alarm about the targeting of Kenyan nationals in Tanzania and the deteriorating security situation. The bishops criticized the Kenyan government for failing to adequately protect its citizens detained in Tanzania.

"We also call the government of foreign nations, particularly East African neighbors, to respect the basic rights and freedoms of Kenyans in their country, in adherence to the UN and regional human right conventions and protocols," said Habil Olembo, Secretary General of PVK, in a press statement.

The exact number of Kenyans detained or killed remains unknown as regional political and religious leaders have largely remained silent on the matter.