International Calls Mount for Tanzania to Address Post-Election Violence and Release Bodies
Dar es Salaam, November 2025 – A coalition of fifteen European nations, Canada, and the European Union has issued a strong joint statement expressing deep regret over the “tragic loss of lives and numerous injuries” following Tanzania’s October general elections and calling on the government to take immediate action.
The statement, released by the British High Commission, the Canadian High Commission, and the embassies of Norway, Switzerland, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, and the EU Delegation, highlights growing international concern over the post-election climate.
The diplomats cite “credible reports from domestic and international organisations” showing evidence of “extrajudicial killings, disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and concealment of dead bodies.” In response, they urge authorities to “urgently release all the bodies of the dead to their families” and to “release all political prisoners,” while ensuring detainees have access to legal and medical support.
The joint statement recalls the government’s stated desire for peace and stability but underlines “the importance of security forces acting with maximum restraint.” It reiterates a call for Tanzania to uphold its international commitments to protecting fundamental freedoms, including access to information and freedom of expression.
Furthermore, the group calls on the government to address recommendations made in preliminary election observer reports from the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which reportedly “set out clear shortcomings in the electoral process.”
The international response comes amid reports of continued tension. Members of the European Parliament have separately called for sanctions against Tanzania, condemning the arrest of opposition leader Tundu Lissu and reports of kidnappings and killings.
The government, for its part, has recognized that understanding the root causes of the violence is a vital step toward justice. The joint statement welcomes this but stresses that “any inquiry must be independent, transparent, and inclusive,” involving civil society, faith-based groups, and all political actors.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner of the election with over 98% of the vote after the main opposition party, CHADEMA, boycotted the polls citing an unfair process. The government has previously stated its commitment to the rule of law and national unity.
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