CSOs’ JOINT STATEMENT CONDEMNING PRE- AND POST-ELECTION GRIEVOUS HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN TANZANIA

Date: 7th November 2025, Dar es Salaam

Today, we, the undersigned Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), are deeply concerned and strongly condemn widespread reports of serious human rights violations that occurred before, during, and after the 2025 general elections. These include killings of civilians, unlawful arrests, abductions, enforced disappearances, suppression of media freedoms, internet shutdown, and denial of due process rights. Although the extent of human rights abuse is yet to be fully uncovered, we are aware of the following and consider it a worrying indication.

Across the country, there have been widespread reports and visual evidence of excessive use of force, including live ammunition and tear gas, to disperse demonstrators. Many unarmed civilians have been killed during demonstrations and in their homes. Families and communities have been deeply affected, with some children witnessing the beating, arrest, or killing of their parents. The killings did not spare journalists and religious leaders, with confirmed reports of the deaths of Master Tindwa of Clouds Media and Kelvin Lameck Mwakangondya of Baraka FM, among others.

We have also documented widespread arbitrary and unlawful arrests and detentions, particularly of young people in different regions. Many have been held without bail or access to legal representation, in violation of constitutional and international human rights provisions. Reports from Mwanza, Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Mbeya, Dodoma, Mara, Kigoma, and Songwe indicate ongoing detentions of civilians without due process.

Furthermore, for six consecutive days since 29th October 2025, authorities shut down internet access nationwide. This significantly restricted the free flow of information, monitoring of the election process, and reporting of human rights violations. As members of civil society, we express our deepest solidarity with all those affected by the recent violence.

We urge the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania to: 1. Immediately release all detainees or bring them before the court. 2.Allow families of those deceased to access, identify, and bury their loved ones. 3.Allow for an independent, transparent, and time-bound investigation into the killings and excessive use of force. 4. Prosecute those responsible for the unlawful killings of civilians. 5. Protect freedom of expression, access to information, and media freedom. 6. Work toward reconciliation and long-term healing through inclusive dialogue. 7. Compensate all families who lost loved ones due to excessive use of force.

This joint statement is signed and delivered by:

Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC)

Twaweza

Foundation For Civil Society

JamiiAfrica

Msichana Initiative

Centre for Strategic Litigation

Internet Governance Tanzania Working Group

📄 Read the full statement attached below.