Amnesty International has called for the immediate and unconditional
release of all Tanzanians who were arrested for protesting on election day.
In a statement, the lobby urged the Tanzanian government to respect and
protect the right to peaceful assembly and release all individuals arrested
solely for taking part in peaceful protests.
“Authorities must immediately refrain from suppressing protests and instead
respect, protect, and facilitate the right to peaceful assembly. They must
immediately and unconditionally release all those arrested solely for
exercising their right to peaceful assembly,” said Vongai Chikwanda, Amnesty
International’s Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa.
The lobby condemned Tanzanian authorities over its termed as unlawful
killings, arbitrary arrests, and the ongoing suppression of protests following
the 29 October general election.
The organisation said it was alarmed by reports of excessive force used by
security forces during post-election protests, which have resulted in deaths
and injuries.
“For close to a week now, many people in Tanzania have suffered nationwide
internet and electricity shutdowns. Amnesty International is particularly
alarmed by reports that amidst the blackouts, security forces have used
excessive force to suppress and disperse ongoing post-election protests,”
Chikwanda added.
The organization further criticised authorities for imposing a partial
internet shutdown. It noted that this is the third such restriction in under a
year, claiming that it was being used to silence dissenting voices and prevent
the documentation of human rights violations.
Amnesty International also called for independent and transparent
investigations into all reported killings by security forces.
The organisation demanded that those suspected of responsibility be brought
to justice in fair trials and that victims and their families be granted access
to justice and effective remedies.
“The authorities must also allow both local and international media to
freely report on the human rights situation in the country and refrain from
restricting access to information, both online and offline, including by
immediately restoring internet access and access to basic public services.”
Tanzanians went to the polls on October 29 in an election dominated by the
ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party.
Opposition presidential candidates Tundu Lissu of Chadema and Luhaga Mpina
of ACT-Wazalendo were barred from contesting.
Protests took place in Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, Tunduma, Tanga, Mwanza, and
other towns following the vote.
Ahead of the elections, Amnesty International had warned of increasing
repression targeting opposition figures, journalists, activists and civil
society organizations.
Nationwide internet restrictions were imposed on Election Day, disrupting
mobile data and blocking access to social media across major networks.
Partial restoration was reported in some cities on November 3, 2025, after the
swearing in of President Samia Suluhu.
This marked the beginning of her second term in office.
