CSOs Condemn Human Rights Violations Before and After the 2025 General Elections in Tanzani
We, the undersigned CSOs, are deeply concerned and strongly condemn widespread reports of serious human rights violations that occurred before, during, and after the 2025 general elections. These include killings of civilians, unlawful arrests, abductions, enforced disappearances, suppression of media freedoms, internet shutdown, and denial of due process rights. Although the extent of human rights abuse is yet to be fully uncovered, we are aware of the following and consider it a worrying indication.
Excessive Use of Force and Killings of Civilians
There have been widespread videos of excessive use of force, live ammunition, and tear gas to disperse demonstrators. According to news sources, many unarmed civilians have been killed during demonstrations. Equally concerning are the growing reports of bystanders and other civilians killed in their homes or elsewhere, even as they posed no threat whatsoever. Videos and images shared on social media since the return of internet connectivity show widespread reprisal killings against young people who were often caught unaware. These killings have deeply affected families and communities. In some regions, children witnessed their parents being beaten, arrested, or killed, resulting in long-term psychological trauma. This is against Article (19) (1) of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and Article 9 on the right not to be separated from parents.
The killings did not spare journalists who were executing their duties and some in their homes. There have been confirmed reports of the killing of a Clouds Media journalist, Master Tindwa, at his residence in Temeke, and Kelvin Lameck Mwakangondya from Baraka FM in Mbeya, who was reported to have been killed on 29th October 2025, while on duty.
A journalist from Azam media group in Dar es Salaam was seriously injured, and two other journalists in Arusha, namely Godfrey Thomas from Ayo Tv and Alphonce Kusaga from Sunrise radio, were arrested. There have also been reports of the killing of a religious leader, Sheikh Msopa, a well-known cleric who was shot on 29th October 2025 at his home, Mabibo Mwisho, Dar es Salaam.
Arbitrary and Unlawful Arrests and Detention
According to information obtained and observed, many civilians, particularly young people, have been arbitrarily and unlawfully arrested in different parts of mainland Tanzania. Reports from Mwanza in an interview with the Regional Commissioner by the Independent Television (ITV) on 30th October 2025, indicate that numerous young people are alleged to have been arrested and have not been granted bail. This is also the case in Dar es Salaam, where reports of several civilians being held at Oysterbay Police Station and other stations without the right to bail have been reported.
In Kilimanjaro, reports indicate that about 312 people were arrested and detained at Moshi Central Police Station, of whom 300 were released on bail on 5th November 2025. The reports state that the remaining 12 are still detained, without being afforded the right to bail or taken to court to defend themselves. Reports from the regions of Arusha, Mbeya, Dodoma, Mara, Kigoma, and Songwe also indicate that many young people continue to be detained without the right to bail.
This is against Article 13(6)(a) of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania of 1977, which provides that no person may be subjected to arbitrary actions, and Article 15, which speaks against unlawful and arbitrary detention. This is also contrary to the provisions of section 148(5) of the Criminal Procedure Act Cap 20, R.E 2022, on the right to bail.
We have also received information from credible sources that many individuals have been arrested since 20th October 2025 and remain detained in various police stations without being brought before a court or granted access to legal representation. Among those still detained is the Deputy Chairperson of CHADEMA, Hon. John Heche.
Internet Shutdown
According to the United Nations, the Internet is a right. The Internet has become a key means for individuals to exercise their right to freedom of opinion and expression, as stated in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The right to information is protected under Article 18 of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, as well as regional and international instruments to which Tanzania has ratified.
Our Call to the Government
We wish to express, as fellow citizens, our deepest solidarity with all those affected by the recent violence. To begin restoring the nation’s faith in justice and humanity, we appeal to the Government to urgently undertake the following steps:
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- Immediately release all detainees on bail or bring them before the court to answer the allegations they are about to be charged with.
- Allow families of those deceased to access, identify and bury their loved ones in line with their traditions and religions.
- Allow for an independent, transparent and time-bound investigation into the killings and excessive use of force. An independent international team of experts should do this.
- Avoid the culture of impunity by prosecuting those responsible for unarmed civilian killings.
- Protect freedom of expression, access to information, and media freedom, including ensuring the safety and independence of journalists and media houses.
- Work on reconciliation and long-term healing through dialogue and the engagement of key stakeholders, i.e., political parties, the interfaith community, and civil society.
- Compensate all families who lost their loved ones because of excessive use of force by security agencies.
This is not about politics. It’s about people. About justice. About the soul of a nation that has always prided itself on peace and unity.
Statement signed by:
Legal and Human Rights Centre | Twaweza | Foundation for Civil Society | JamiiAfrica | Msichana Initiative | Centre for Strategic Litigation | Internet Governance Tanzania Working Group.
Read the complete joint statement here.
