GENEVA - UN human rights experts* today condemned reported widespread and systematic human rights violations in Tanzania following the general elections on 29 October 2025, including allegations of hundreds of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and mass arbitrary detentions targeting protesters, opposition figures, and civil society across the country.
"The Government must provide information on the fate and whereabouts of all disappeared persons and ensure the identification and dignified return of the remains to their families," the experts said. "All restrictions on media coverage must be lifted, as they are incompatible with Tanzania's international obligations."
The experts noted that elections proceeded amid long-standing concerns, including arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances of opposition figures, and legislative changes that undermined the fairness of the electoral framework. Leaders from the two main opposition parties were barred or disqualified from contesting, and in some cases detained or forcibly disappeared prior to the poll.
Following the elections, protests erupted across the country, particularly led by youth, against the ruling political party. The Government's response was allegedly the immediate and lethal use of force against these protesters by security forces, including military and police personnel. The experts said that disturbing reports indicate officers were given orders to "shoot to kill" during an enforced curfew.
The experts noted that the number of people extrajudicially killed in the aftermath of the elections is estimated to be at least 700 individuals, with other estimates pointing to thousands of potential victims. They noted chilling reports on the disappearance of victims' bodies from morgues, and allegations that human remains are being incinerated or buried in unidentified mass graves. Family members who identified remains were reportedly forced to sign false statements about the cause of death to receive the bodies.
Widespread arbitrary arrests and detentions of hundreds of protesters, human rights defenders and civil society activists followed the post-election protests, the experts noted. Many detained opposition leaders and protesters, that account for over 1,700 individuals, reportedly face serious offenses like treason, conspiracy to commit an offense, and armed robbery. They expressed concern that the Directorate for Public Prosecutions applied the principle of nolle prosequi, which they considered will be an obstacle the due process.
The experts noted that a complete internet shutdown was imposed from 29 October to 3 November 2025, further compounding the crisis. "This blackout severely curtailed the ability of human rights defenders and journalists to carry out their work and document violations," they said.
The experts also expressed alarm at reports of transnational repression, including extensive surveillance targeting human rights defenders and civil society organisations involved in monitoring the violations in neighboring countries.
They urged the Government of Tanzania to launch a prompt, impartial, independent, thorough, and effective investigation into all reported killings, enforced disappearances, and other human rights violations.
The experts took note of the establishment of a commission of inquiry to inform the public and the international community about the causes of the protests and human rights violations.
"The new commission should be independent and make proposals to ensure accountability, justice and reparation, including guarantees of non-recurrence, and full participation of victims and civil society organisations," they said.
Ahead of planned demonstrations on 9 December 2025, the experts called on Tanzanian authorities and security forces to prevent further violations and protect people's right to peaceful assembly.
The experts are in contact with the Government on this issue and expressed their readiness to provide technical assistance to Tanzanian authorities.
