A prominent Tanzanian Catholic priest, Fr Charles Kitima, has been violently attacked in Dar es Salaam amid rising political tensions ahead of the October elections.
Fr Kitima, secretary-general of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), was ambushed by two people and hit on the head with a blunt object.
The attack has been widely condemned, with many expressing concern over the increasing violence and shrinking civic space in Tanzania.
Fr Kitima has been an outspoken critic of the government, frequently criticizing policies and advocating for democratic reforms and human rights.
The police have detained a suspect and are investigating the incident.
The attack comes days after the Catholic Church called for electoral reform, a key opposition demand.
Leaders of Christian churches in Tanzania, whose followers make up 60% of the population, have become increasingly vocal on justice and governance issues.
