Fr Charles Kitima has been an outspoken critic of the federal government [TEC]
A outstanding Tanzanian Catholic priest and authorities critic has been violently attacked amid rising political tensions forward of elections due in October.
Fr Charles Kitima, who had attended an all-day spiritual assembly, was ambushed by two individuals at evening in a canteen restroom close to his residence in Dar es Salaam.
In keeping with the police, he was hit on the pinnacle with a blunt object and was later admitted to hospital, the place he’s in a steady situation.
Eyewitnesses mentioned Fr Kitima had been seen speaking to a number of individuals earlier than the assault, and was later discovered bleeding and calling for assist, moments after people have been seen fleeing the scene.
The police say they’ve detained a suspect, whereas investigations proceed.
The assault on Fr Kitima, who’s the secretary-general of the Catholic bishops’ organisation, Tanzania Episcopal Convention (TEC), has been broadly condemned.
Boniface Mwabukusi, president of the Tanganyika Regulation Society, who visited the priest in hospital, mentioned it had been “a brutal assault with the intent to take his life”.
Posting on X, Mwabukusi mentioned Fr Kitima had a message for Tanzanians that “we shouldn’t be afraid to pay the value for standing up for justice and fulfilling our duties to the nation”.
Political pressure is growing in Tanzania forward of the final elections, with rights teams elevating issues over shrinking civic house, accountability, and justice.
Opposition Chadema celebration vice-chairman John Heche mentioned the incident was dangerous “information for the nation”.
Foyer group Authorized and Human Rights Centre additionally condemned the “heinous assault” that portrayed a “dangerous picture” for the nation.
Fr Kitima has ceaselessly criticised authorities insurance policies and is broadly identified in Tanzania for his daring stance on democratic reforms and human rights.
The assault, which has alarmed religion leaders and the civil society, comes days after the Catholic Church referred to as for the federal government to heed requires electoral reform – a key opposition demand.
Leaders of Christian church buildings, whose followers make up 60% of the inhabitants, have turn out to be more and more outspoken on justice and governance points.
However their criticism has not been obtained properly by some supporters of the ruling celebration, with some senior figures asking spiritual leaders to remain out of politics.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan final weekend warned the opposition that “no-one is above the legislation”.
“We should not permit this election to be a trigger for battle,” she added.
She additionally sought to downplay fears of rigging by vowing that the federal government would “do all the pieces in its energy to make sure that the election is free and honest”.
Since final yr there was a wave of assaults and abductions focusing on authorities critics. Senior opposition figures have additionally been arrested, together with Chadema chief Tundu Lissu, who has been charged with treason.
However assaults of this type on church leaders are unusual.
Police have mentioned the motive for Fr Kitima’s assault is just not but identified, with ongoing investigations seeking to determine different suspects.
The federal government has not commented on the assault.
However Stephen Wasira, vice-chairman of the ruling CCM celebration, condemned it and despatched a message of sympathy to the priest.
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