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Western embassies urge Tanzania to return victims' bodies
Seventeen diplomatic missions, including the UK and France, have pressed Tanzanian authorities to release the remains of those killed during post-election unrest in October. The embassies cited credible reports of extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, and the concealment of bodies by security forces.
Violent crackdown after disputed election
President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner of the 29 October presidential vote with nearly 98% of the ballot. Opposition candidates were barred from running, sparking protests that the government met with a violent crackdown. Authorities imposed an internet blackout and threatened legal action against anyone sharing images from the demonstrations.
While no official death toll has been released, hundreds are believed to have been killed. At least 240 people were charged with treason following the protests, though President Samia later urged prosecutors to show leniency, leading to the release of many detainees. Opposition leader Tundu Lissu remains in custody after being charged with treason in April.
Diplomatic pressure mounts over rights abuses
In a joint statement on Friday, the embassies-representing the European Union, several EU member states, Canada, Norway, and Switzerland-called for the immediate release of all political prisoners and urged authorities to allow detainees access to legal and medical assistance. They also welcomed the government's decision to investigate the violence but stressed that the probe must be independent, transparent, and inclusive of civil society and political stakeholders.
"We call on the authorities to urgently release all the bodies of the dead to their families."
Joint statement by Western embassies in Tanzania
The statement emphasized Tanzania's obligation to uphold fundamental freedoms and constitutional rights, including freedom of expression and access to information.
UN and US raise concerns over crackdown
At a press briefing in Geneva on Friday, Seif Magango, a spokesman for the UN human rights office, said the Tanzanian government had "intensified a crackdown against opponents since the vote." He reported that dozens of academics, civil society figures, and local political leaders had been detained since mid-November, with some arrests allegedly carried out by unidentified armed personnel.
The UN estimates that over 2,000 people were detained following the election-related protests. Magango called for the "immediate and unconditional release" of all those arbitrarily detained.
The US State Department announced on Thursday that it was reassessing its relationship with Tanzania in light of the government's heavy-handed response to the protests. A spokesperson stated that the US "cannot overlook actions that jeopardize the safety of our citizens or the security and stability of the region."
President Samia defends government actions
In a speech on Tuesday, President Samia defended the use of force against protesters, describing it as "necessary" to counter those who "were ready to overthrow the government." She repeated unsubstantiated claims that foreign actors had conspired with opposition groups to orchestrate "regime change."
Samia, who became Tanzania's first female president in 2021 following the death of President John Magufuli, was initially praised for easing political repression. However, critics say the political environment has since tightened. The president has announced plans to confront any new demonstrations scheduled for next Tuesday.
