Good morning! The Chanzo is here with a rundown of major news stories reported in Tanzania on April 29, 2025.

Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) Condemns Attack on Father Kitima, Demands Transparency and Warns Against Distortion of Investigation Reports

The Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) has strongly condemned the violent attack on its Secretary-General, Father Charles Kitima, which occurred on the night of April 30, 2025, at around 10:00 PM. The incident took place at the TEC headquarters and residence in Kurasini, Dar es Salaam.

In a statement issued by TEC’s Vice Chairman, Bishop Eusebius Nzigilwa, the Conference has called on security agencies to take swift action in identifying and prosecuting those responsible for planning and carrying out the assault.

“The investigation into this incident should be conducted quickly, and the findings should be shared transparently and truthfully, without distortion, in order to restore public trust and hope,” the statement emphasized.

READ MORE: Outspoken Catholic Priest Dr. Charles Kitima Hospitalized Following An Attack

Father Kitima, a widely respected religious leader and advocate for social justice in Tanzania known for his dedication to democratic governance and the rule of law, is currently hospitalized at Aga Khan Hospital in Dar es Salaam.

The Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander has confirmed the arrest of one suspect, identified as Rauli Mahabi, also known by the alias “Haraja”, in connection with the attack.

TEC has urged Catholic faithful and all people of goodwill to continue praying for Father Kitima’s recovery and for peace and unity in the nation. They also called for patience as investigations proceed.

Following the attack, various individuals and institutions have voiced their condemnation, including political parties such as ACT-Wazalendo, CHADEMA, and CCM, through official statements. 

The Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) also condemned the incident, stating that the attack not only violates human rights but also threatens the peace and stability of the nation—a peace that religious leaders have played a crucial role in safeguarding.

Tanzanian Government Raises Minimum Wage for Public Workers by 35.1 Percent

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has announced a 35 percent increase in the minimum wage for government employees during her address to thousands of workers at the May Day celebrations held in Singida Municipal.

She explained that the decision stems from the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of workers, who have made significant contributions through their hard work, which has helped the national economy grow by 5.5%.

“This salary increase, which will take effect in July this year, will raise the minimum wage from TZS 370,000 to TZS 500,000. Other salary levels will also be adjusted upward based on what the budget allows. But let me assure you the increase is substantial,” President Samia said.

The last time the government raised the minimum wage for public employees was in 2022, when it was increased by 23.3%.

Regarding the private sector, she said that the Minimum Wage Board is still conducting an assessment aimed at improving minimum wage levels in that sector.

“In addition to the board’s work, I continue to encourage ministries and labor unions to engage in discussions with employers to implement better employment contracts in the private sector, so that they align with those in the public sector,” President Samia added.

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Kisutu Court April 24 Fiasco: Epitome of Impunity and Tanzania’s Police Brutality

I arrived at the Kisutu High Court at around 8:06 am on Thursday, April 24, 2025, to cover the treason case hearing of the opposition figure, Tundu Lissu. I was late leaving the office, so I had to rush there.

 At around 7:50 am, as I was passing the Salender Bridge, I saw the CHADEMA Deputy Chairperson (Tanzania Mainland), John Heche, at the bridge in a shouting match with the police. I was confused, was he coming from Kisutu or going, but the Bodaboda driver had already passed the station.

Along the way, as I was getting near Kisutu, security was heightened. A water cannon truck was stationed near the NMB Bank, and as you turn onto Bibi Titi Road, a paramilitary police armoured vehicle was stationed there. My thought at that moment was, “This is fine.”

I also expected heightened security due to the police’s rhetoric, but the day before, on April 22, 2025, I was at the Msimbazi Police station to follow up on some of our detained journalists who were covering CHADEMA’s rally. As I was waiting for processing at the police station, I overheard the excitement about the reinforcement for the day.

As I arrived at the Kisutu gate, I noticed that the security was heightened, two plainclothes officers, one female and one male, the lady dressed in a dark blue skirt-suit and the man in a dark grey suit with a red Kufi-cap, were asking questions. 

At the Kisutu gate

“Who are you?” the lady asked. I replied, “‘I’m here for news coverage.”  You can’t enter, she replied. I explained again, I’m just here for coverage. The fellow officer, the grey-suit guy, who was ordering his colleague around, interjected, “You are told there is no court today, what can’t you understand?”

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Engage or Disengage? Tanzania’s Opposition Faces a Critical Decision

As Tanzania heads toward its upcoming 2025 general elections, the political atmosphere is tense, stagnant, and increasingly uncertain. A series of events, both within political parties and in the broader public sphere, has drawn national and international attention, revealing deep fractures in the country’s democratic landscape.

Political parties are preparing for the elections, with the two leading opposition parties taking distinct paths. CHADEMA has adopted a hardline stance with its No Reforms, No Elections campaign, boycotting the electoral processes to demand systemic change. Meanwhile, ACT Wazalendo is pursuing electoral reform through its Linda Demokrasia, or Protect Democracy, operation, choosing to engage while pushing for electoral and democratic safeguards.

Both parties have been mobilised nationwide. ACT Wazalendo has held leadership assemblies to educate citizens on their platform, while CHADEMA organised public rallies advocating reform. These rallies culminated in the arrest of party chairperson Tundu Lissu on treason charges, a move that shocked the nation and raised serious concerns about civil liberties and political freedoms.

In a further escalation, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) convened all registered parties to sign the general election Code of Conduct. Most complied; CHADEMA did not. Consequently, INEC, acting under contentious rules that ACT Wazalendo intends to challenge in court, disbarred CHADEMA from participating in the elections, further intensifying political tensions. This development also exposed internal fractures within CHADEMA, as a faction opposed the boycott and advocated for participation instead.

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