Growing calls for accountability over Tanzania’s turbulent October election have now shifted to the international arena, as a coalition of human rights organisations seeks the intervention of the International Criminal Court.
Their petition places the conduct of state security agencies under sharp focus and intensifies pressure on President Samia Suluhu’s administration, which is also facing criticism from abroad.
The request for an ICC inquiry has been lodged by the Madrid Bar Association alongside the Human Rights Institute, the World Jurists’ Association and Intelwatch. Together, they want the court in The Hague to begin a formal investigation into what they describe as systematic violence directed at citizens during the election period.
According to the petition, Tanzanian authorities “murdered thousands of civilians, subjected hundreds to enforced disappearance, tortured thousands in detention facilities, committed sexual violence against detainees, forcibly displaced tens of thousands of indigenous Maasais, and employed cyber-enabled repression affecting millions.” The organisations argue that the events surrounding the vote reflect widespread and deliberate attacks that warrant international scrutiny.
The October polls, in which Samia Suluhu sought her first electoral mandate, were marked by unrest across various towns. Demonstrations broke out soon after voting, with citizens challenging the election outcome.
The response from security units drew condemnation from observer groups, who reported targeted killings, injuries and extensive use of force against the public.
The petitioners are also urging the ICC to widen the scope of the review to include incidents dating back to 2016. They say this would help establish a clear record of earlier violations that may have gone unaddressed.
Representing the victims, lawyer Juan Carlos Gutierrez maintains that President Suluhu holds ultimate responsibility for the actions of security agencies, stating that she approved the use of violence on civilians.
The growing concern is not limited to rights organisations. In the United States, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has asked for an independent assessment into the deaths of civilians during the election crackdown, strengthening calls for clarity on what transpired.
As the international spotlight intensifies, Tanzania has called off its upcoming Independence Day celebrations. The cancellation coincides with preparations for a large protest planned for that day, raising questions about the government’s decision.
Authorities have also moved to free some of the more than three hundred people arrested and charged with treason during the election period. The releases come at a time when the administration is facing rising demands to address concerns over arrests, disappearances and the heavy response against protesters.
