The United Nations has raised alarm over escalating human rights violations in Tanzania following the country’s disputed general election, urging authorities to restore civil liberties and ensure accountability for reported abuses.
Widespread Unrest After Disputed Vote
Following Tanzania’s 29 October 2025 general election, the UN Human Rights Office issued a formal statement expressing deep concern over the government’s response to nationwide protests. The election, which saw President Samia Suluhu Hassan re-elected with over 97% of the vote, was marred by the exclusion of key opposition candidates and allegations of vote suppression.
Protests erupted across major cities including Dar es Salaam, Shinyanga, and Morogoro, prompting a heavy-handed crackdown by security forces. The UN cited credible reports indicating that at least 10 people were killed, with many more injured or detained.
UN Calls for Accountability and Transparency
UN Secretary-General António Guterres and spokespersons for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) called on Tanzanian authorities to uphold fundamental freedoms, including the right to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, and access to information.
The UN urged the government to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into allegations of excessive force and arbitrary detentions, and to restore internet access, which was restricted during the unrest.
Civil Society Under Pressure
The crackdown follows a broader pattern of repression in Tanzania, where civil society groups, journalists, and opposition figures have faced harassment, censorship, and intimidation in the lead-up to the election. UN experts previously warned of deteriorating conditions for democratic participation and called for urgent reforms to protect civic space.
The Tanzanian government has dismissed the protests as “isolated incidents” and defended its security response as necessary to maintain order.
Sources:
1. UN News – Guterres voices alarm
2. The Star – UN sounds alarm
3. Jurist – UN raises concern
4. Africanews – OHCHR statement
5. Citizen Digital – Guterres statement
Tanzania-Ports-Authority-headquarters.-Dar-es-Salaam-Tanzania-Picture-by-Mr-Annael
