The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) has raised alarm over what it describes as a grave deterioration of human rights in Tanzania following the country’s disputed general elections, which have been marred by unrest, violence, and allegations of state repression.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday, November 1, the Commission said it is “extremely concerned” by credible reports of widespread violence and arbitrary arrests that have rocked the East African nation since election day. The statement follows days of chaos in several regions, where security forces are accused of using excessive force to suppress post-election protests, leaving several people dead and dozens injured.
Unrest and Internet Blackout
According to the ACHPR, the scale of the violence remains difficult to verify due to a nationwide internet shutdown imposed shortly after polling stations closed. The blackout has severely restricted communication and access to independent information, raising fears of a media blackout over human rights violations.
“The Commission is deeply concerned that the ongoing restrictions on communication make it nearly impossible to ascertain the number of casualties and the true extent of the unrest,” the statement read. “If confirmed, these incidents would constitute serious violations of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which Tanzania ratified in 1984.”
Call for Respect of Fundamental Freedoms
The Commission underscored the duty of governments to protect citizens’ rights, particularly during elections, and urged Tanzanian authorities to uphold democratic principles and refrain from using violence to silence dissent.
“The Commission wishes to buttress the importance of the protection of human rights during the electoral process and therefore calls on the Government of Tanzania to ensure that all fundamental rights and freedoms are duly respected during this time,” it added.
In reaffirming its Resolution 331 on Elections in Africa, the ACHPR reminded member states of their obligation to ensure peaceful, free, fair, and transparent elections. The Commission also called on the Tanzanian government to investigate and prosecute all perpetrators of human rights violations during the election period and to provide redress to victims and their families.
Condemnation of Arbitrary Arrests
Citing its Resolution 281 on the Right to Peaceful Demonstrations, the Commission expressed concern over reports of mass arrests and detentions of opposition supporters, activists, and journalists. It criticized what it described as the “excessive and disproportionate use of live ammunition and tear gas” by security forces against unarmed protestors.
The ACHPR called for the immediate and unconditional release of individuals detained for peacefully expressing their views, urging authorities to comply with international norms governing the conduct of law enforcement officers.
“The Commission condemns the reports of the deteriorating human rights situation in Tanzania and calls on the Government to prioritize de-escalating the prevailing situation and ensure that security forces refrain from using disproportionate force against protestors,” the statement emphasized.
Call for Investigations and Accountability
The regional human rights body also urged Tanzanian authorities to launch prompt, impartial, and transparent investigations into the alleged violations and to hold those responsible accountable. It said restoring calm and rebuilding public trust in state institutions would be crucial in preventing further escalation of tensions.
Furthermore, the ACHPR reiterated its longstanding call for Tanzania to sign and ratify the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, a key instrument that promotes the rule of law, respect for human rights, and adherence to democratic norms across the continent.
“The Commission will continue to closely monitor the human rights situation in the United Republic of Tanzania,” it concluded.
Election Controversy and Public Outcry
The ACHPR’s statement follows widespread criticism of Tanzania’s electoral process, in which incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner with an overwhelming 98 percent of the vote. Opposition groups have dismissed the results as fraudulent, alleging intimidation, ballot stuffing, and violence targeting their supporters.
Observers say the heavy-handed response to post-election protests marks a troubling setback for Tanzania’s democratic credentials, which have come under strain in recent years amid increasing restrictions on political opposition and press freedom.
As pressure mounts from regional and international bodies, the ACHPR’s call for restraint, transparency, and accountability may become a key test for President Hassan’s administration in navigating one of the most turbulent political moments in Tanzania’s recent history.
