A group of European countries has called on Tanzania to free all political detainees and open the door to fully independent investigations into killings, disappearances, and other abuses reported after the recent national elections. Their joint appeal comes at a time when international concern over the country’s human rights record is sharply rising.
In a strongly worded message, embassies representing Britain, Canada, Norway, Switzerland, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, and the European Union voiced alarm over credible reports of unlawful killings, missing persons, mass arrests, and the concealment of bodies.
They urged Tanzanian authorities to release all political prisoners and return bodies of the deceased to their families, describing this as a humanitarian and legal obligation. The countries also demanded that detainees be granted access to lawyers and medical care.
The statement further pushed for impartial investigations carried out openly and with the involvement of civil society groups, religious leaders, and all political parties. The European nations noted that Tanzania must honour its international commitments on human rights, including freedom of expression, access to information, and protection of constitutional freedoms.
The joint communiqué also reminded Tanzania of the concerns previously raised in the African Union and SADC preliminary election reports, which pointed to persistent weaknesses in the electoral process.
Despite the government acknowledging the need to understand what triggered the post-election violence, European diplomats insist genuine justice will only come from a credible and inclusive probe.
The pressure intensified on Thursday when the United States announced it was reviewing its relationship with Tanzania, citing ongoing repression and widespread violations linked to the October 29 vote. Although this message was separate from Europe’s statement, it added to the growing international scrutiny surrounding President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration.
Authorities claim President Samia secured 97 percent of the vote, but the outcome was overshadowed by unrest. In the weeks that followed, reports of killings, arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and internet shutdowns circulated widely. Human rights groups say hundreds were either killed or detained, while families continue searching for missing relatives in hospitals and police stations.
Tanzania is preparing for nationwide anti-government protests on December 9, with demonstrations expected to begin days earlier. The US Embassy in Dar es Salaam has warned its citizens to avoid large gatherings and be ready for curfews, tighter movement controls, and internet restrictions. Foreign nationals have reportedly faced increased questioning, including checks on their electronic devices for political material.
The shrinking civic space remains a growing concern after two outspoken activists recently reported disruptions to their social media accounts following criticism of the government.
President Samia has defended the security crackdown, saying the heavy deployment was needed to prevent an attempted coup. Although the government has admitted there were casualties, it has yet to release official figures. Meanwhile, human rights defenders have turned to the International Criminal Court, seeking an investigation into the reported killings.
With pressure now coming from European nations, the United States, international organisations, and civil society groups, Tanzania faces mounting demands to open an honest, transparent, and independent investigation into the violence. Many observers believe this will be the only path to accountability and national healing.