Dodoma, Tanzania, Feb 14, 2018 / 16:08 pm
The bishops of Tanzania spoke out this week against the suppression of several constitutional freedoms within the country, saying the government is becoming responsible for threatening national unity.
"The activities of political parties, such as public gatherings, demonstrations, marches, debates inside premises, which are the right of every citizen, are suspended until the next elections," read a Feb. 11 pastoral letter signed by the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Tanzania, according to Africa News.
"Political activities are prohibited by the instrumentalization of the police," the letter continued, denouncing the government's interference with national laws and the freedom of expression.
Political tensions within Tanzania have been rising with upcoming by-elections.