The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in Tanzania following the general elections held on 29 October 2025.
In a statement issued on November 1, 2025, the Commission said it was alarmed by reports of widespread unrest and violence that erupted after the elections.
According to reports, clashes between protestors and security forces have left hundreds of people dead and many others injured.
However, the nationwide internet shutdown has made it difficult to verify the actual death toll and the full extent of the crisis.
The Commission said if confirmed, the reported violations would constitute serious breaches of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which Tanzania ratified on February 18, 1984.
Reaffirming the importance of protecting human rights during electoral processes, the Commission urged the Tanzanian government to uphold fundamental rights and freedoms.
Referring to its Resolution 331 on Elections in Africa, the Commission called on all states to ensure peaceful, free, fair and transparent elections, and to investigate, prosecute and provide redress for human rights violations committed during election periods.
The Commission also highlighted its concerns over arbitrary arrests, continued detentions, and the use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrators, as outlined in Resolution 281 on the Right to Peaceful Demonstrations.
It urged the government to immediately release those arrested during peaceful protests, refrain from disproportionate use of force, and adhere to international standards governing law enforcement.
Condemning the reports of escalating violence and repression, the Commission called on the Tanzanian authorities to prioritise de-escalation and ensure that security forces do not employ excessive force against civilians.
It also urged the government to urgently investigate the alleged human rights abuses and hold those responsible accountable.
Additionally, the Commission renewed its call for Tanzania to sign and ratify the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.
The treaty promotes democratic transitions of power, regular and transparent elections, and the role of independent electoral institutions.
The Commission said it will continue to closely monitor developments in Tanzania as tensions remain high following the disputed elections.
The government has sought to play down the scale of the violence - and authorities have extended a curfew in a bid to quell the unrest.
The demonstrations have seen mostly young protesters take to the streets in cities across Tanzania to denounce the election as unfair.
They accuse the government of undermining democracy by suppressing the main opposition leaders - one is in jail and another was excluded on technical grounds - thus bolstering President Samia Suluhu Hassan's chances of winning with her ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party.
Foreign Minister Mahmoud Kombo Thabit has described the violence as a "few isolated pockets of incidents here and there" and said "security forces acted very swiftly and decisively to address the situation".
