ONE YEAR AFTER OCTOBER 29, 2025

Adeladius Makwega — MBAGALA

 

On October 23, 2026, the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) announced that October 29, 2026, would be observed as a day of prayer for all those who suffered during the events of October 29, 2025, and the days that followed.

The tragedy is that suffering did not discriminate on the basis of religion, denomination or family background. It touched the lives of Tanzanians, leaving behind unanswered questions, grief and wounds that require time, justice and healing.

 

One question remains: Why has the Catholic Church been the only religious institution to publicly take such a step in praying for all those affected by these painful events? Should the cries of citizens not serve as a call to everyone with a conscience, regardless of religious affiliation?

 

For this noble gesture, the Catholic Church deserves commendation. If religious leaders heard the cries, witnessed the tears and recognised the suffering of the people, why should we not join together in praying for those who have passed away and comforting the families they left behind?

 

Mwanakwetu, as a lay Catholic, devoted that day to praying for those affected.

 

As a journalist, he also recognised the responsibility to reflect deeply on what these events mean for the future of the nation.

That is why he is writing this analytical article today.

 

My fellow Tanzanians,

 

When a country faces numerous treason cases in its courts, the situation can raise serious questions about relations between the government and its citizens, political tensions, national security, judicial independence and public confidence in state institutions.

The existence of such cases does not, by itself, prove that the law is being abused. However, when they arise amid heightened political tensions, they should prompt the nation to reflect deeply.

 

Today, Mwanakwetu focuses on one aspect of this debate: the rise of political tensions and their consequences for national unity.

What Can the World Teach Us?

 

Consider Cambodia. In 2023, opposition leader Kem Sokha was sentenced to 27 years in prison for treason. He denied the charges, while Human Rights Watch criticised the proceedings and raised concerns about the possible political motivations behind the prosecution.

 

When a case of this nature involves a leader with a substantial following, its consequences can extend beyond the courtroom into politics, elections and public confidence in state institutions.

 

Mwanakwetu also recalls Nicaragua, where President Daniel Ortega has been engaged in a prolonged dispute with the Catholic Church. Bishop Rolando Álvarez was arrested in 2022 and, in 2023, sentenced to 26 years in prison on charges that included conspiracy against the state. The government accused him of challenging its authority, while its critics disputed the fairness of the proceedings and condemned the measures taken against Church leaders.

These international examples provide a mirror through which Tanzanians can examine their own circumstances. We must ask ourselves: Are Tanzania's circumstances directly comparable to those of Cambodia or Nicaragua?

 

These cases also remind us of an important lesson: when political conflicts lack credible channels for resolution, they can undermine public trust, weaken state institutions and threaten national cohesion.

 

What Should Tanzania Do?

Mwanakwetu believes that resolving such a situation begins with creating an environment founded on justice, dialogue and governance that respects the Constitution and the rule of law.

 

First, judicial independence must be protected. Every accused person deserves a fair hearing, legal representation and a determination of their case based on evidence and the law. The judiciary must remain an independent arm of government, free from improper influence by the executive, Parliament or any political party. Court decisions must be based on law and evidence, not treated like predictions by traditional fortune-tellers or dictated by political interests. Judicial independence is fundamental to public confidence in justice and national stability.

 

Second, the government and the opposition must open the doors to dialogue. Ruling parties must not regard political power as their permanent property. Opposition leaders, in turn, should use constitutional channels to resolve their differences. The nation belongs to all its citizens, not to one group.

 

Third, treason laws must be applied carefully and fairly. Treason allegations must have a sound legal basis and be supported by admissible evidence. Criticism of the government and lawful opposition activities should not automatically be treated as treason.

 

Fourth, freedom of religion, the press and expression must be respected. When a nation allows diverse opinions to be heard, it has an opportunity to identify grievances early and address them before they develop into serious conflicts.

 

Fifth, electoral systems and accountability must be strengthened. Citizens should have a fair opportunity to participate in politics and contest leadership positions in accordance with the law, under conditions that provide a level playing field.

Sixth, transparency and accountability must be prioritised. Where allegations of abuse of power or human rights violations arise, independent investigations and appropriate action are necessary. Public trust is not built through promises alone, but through visible and credible action.

 

One Year Later, What Should We Reflect On?

October 29, 2026, marks one year since the events of October 29, 2025, and the days that followed, which resulted in deaths and suffering among citizens. This is a time to mourn, listen to those who have been hurt and reflect on how to prevent such wounds from recurring.

 

Tanzania needs the truth about what happened, credible investigations, accountability where wrongdoing is established, and meaningful steps to restore public confidence. These are not demands belonging to one political camp. They are the needs of a nation seeking peace and a shared future.

 

The solution is neither to dismiss treason cases regardless of the evidence nor to ignore genuine threats to national security. The solution is to ensure that the law is applied equally, rights are protected, and political conflicts are resolved through constitutional means and dialogue.

 

A nation with an independent judiciary, accountable leaders and citizens whose concerns are heard has a stronger foundation for lasting stability. Development cannot be measured solely by buildings, roads and projects. It must also be measured by how a nation protects the dignity and rights of its people.

 

Mwanakwetu's Message to Tanzanians

 

My fellow Tanzanians, one year after October 29, 2025, let us not allow this commemoration to become merely a date on the calendar. Let it be a call to build a nation in which every Tanzanian life is valued, political differences do not become hostility, and justice does not depend on which side of the political divide a person belongs to.

Lasting peace is built not merely through the absence of conflict, but through justice, trust, dialogue and accountable institutions. When a nation faces political tensions and serious treason cases, the question is not simply whether the law is being enforced, but whether it is being enforced fairly, equally and in accordance with the Constitution.

This is a message to every Tanzanian who wishes this country well.

 

Let those who lost their lives be remembered. Let affected families receive comfort. Let the injured and all those carrying the pain of these events not be forgotten. And let those of us who are still alive learn that our differences must never deprive us of our shared humanity.

“Those of us who are still alive should not consider ourselves too clever or invincible; we must remember that misfortune can await any of us.”

 

Mwanakwetu, are you there? Remember: One Year After October 29, 2025.

I wish you a peaceful and meaningful day.

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