Solidarity Press Statement on the Human Rights and Political Situation in Tanzania
- Crisis Regional Media
- Nov 5
- 4 min read
A Call on Tanzanian and Regional Authorities to Urgently Address the Deepening Political Crisis
4 November 2025
Johannesburg - The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (the Coalition) notes the announcement of results and the inauguration of President-elect Samia Suluhu Hassan yesterday, Monday, 3 November 2025, following the disputed General Election held on 29 October 2025.
The National Electoral Commission (NEC) declared a 97.66% victory for President Hassan, an outcome that starkly exposes an electoral process which fell far short of regional and international standards of credibility, freeness and fairness.
The election took place under a climate of fear, repression, and systematic exclusion of opposition candidates.
During the run-up to the election, the Tanzanian government intensified efforts to shut down civic and democratic space, including a sustained internet blackout since election day, effectively silencing citizens and cutting off information flows.
Opposition leader Tundu Lissu (CHADEMA) remains imprisoned on treason charges for calling for electoral reforms, while Luhaga Mpina (ACT-Wazalendo) was barred from contesting altogether.
These developments stripped the election of legitimacy and deprived Tanzanians of a genuine choice.
Independent and international human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, the United Nations Human Rights Council, and the International Crisis Group, have documented a pattern of enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and extrajudicial killings.
A June 2025 UN report cited more than 200 cases of enforced disappearance since 2019, noting “an alarming pattern of repression” ahead of elections. The government has also restricted access to digital platforms, banning X (formerly Twitter) and stifling local platforms such as JamiiForums.
Reports from across the country point to empty polling stations on election day, contradicting the NEC’s claims of record voter turnout.
When citizens peacefully protested these irregularities, they were met with brutal force, triggering widespread violence. Media reports indicate that over 800 civilians have been killed since election day.
Also of particular concern is Article 41(7) of the Constitution of Tanzania (1977), which states that once the National Electoral Commission declares a presidential candidate elected, no court of law has jurisdiction to question the result.
This provision effectively blocks any form of judicial redress, insulating electoral malpractice from legal scrutiny and undermining accountability.
Meanwhile, Tanzania’s main opposition party, CHADEMA, has rejected the announced results, describing them as “completely fabricated.”
In a public statement, the party declared that “no genuine election took place in Tanzania,” citing the empty polling stations and mass boycotts as evidence that citizens have collectively rejected the process.
As a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the East African Community (EAC), and the African Union (AU), Tanzania is obligated to uphold democratic values as outlined in the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.
We also take this opportunity to welcome the SADC Observer Mission report expressing profound concern that, in several regions, voters were unable to exercise their democratic rights effectively.
The mission pointed out that the electoral process fell significantly short of adhering to the SADC Principles and Guidelines that govern democratic elections.
This situation not only constitutes a serious violation of established democratic norms but also poses a substantial risk of destabilizing Tanzania itself.
Furthermore, the implications may extend beyond Tanzania, potentially affecting the political and economic stability of the broader Southern and East African region.
In light of these developments, we also acknowledge and support the call for peace and constructive dialogue made by Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema during his inauguration ceremony yesterday.
His emphasis on the importance of fostering a peaceful resolution is a crucial step forward. We encourage Zambia to take a proactive stance in leading mediation efforts among the various stakeholders involved in Tanzania's political landscape.
This leadership could be vital in facilitating discussions and promoting stability in the region.
In light of the foregoing, the Coalition calls upon the Government of Tanzania to:
1. End all forms of violence and repression against civilians and halt the use of live ammunition on protesters.
2. Investigate and hold accountable all perpetrators of human rights violations and the killing of over 800 civilians, regardless of rank or position.
3. Immediately release all political prisoners and drop politically motivated charges against opposition leaders, journalists, and activists.
4. Restore civic and digital freedoms, including lifting the internet blackout and reopening space for media and associations.
5. Review and repeal repressive laws, particularly Article 41(7) of the Constitution of Tanzania, to enable judicial oversight of electoral disputes.
6. Immediately facilitate a genuine, inclusive national dialogue that brings together political parties, civil society, and faith leaders to chart a democratic way forward.
We further urge regional and continental bodies to act decisively and collaboratively to help resolve this crisis:
● The EAC, under the leadership of President William Ruto, must initiate and lead a credible mediation process to help Tanzania find a coordinated and lasting political solution.
● SADC must invoke its democratic instruments to ensure accountability and prevent the crisis from escalating into a regional security threat.
● The EAC, SADC and the African Union must deploy an independent fact-finding and human rights mission to Tanzania to assess violations and recommend corrective action.
● All regional actors must reaffirm their commitment to constitutionalism, justice, and the rule of law, ensuring that citizens’ rights and voices are protected.
We reaffirm our unwavering solidarity with the courageous people of Tanzania who have refused to legitimise injustice.
Their defiance speaks to Africa’s wider struggle for constitutionalism, democracy and the rule of law.
We stand with them in their pursuit of freedom, accountability, and the restoration of democratic governance, human rights, and human dignity. Aluta continua!
Ends//
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Issued by the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition
Regional Office
Johannesburg, South Africa
For comments and questions, please contact:
Blessing Vava, Director, Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition, director@crisiszimbabwe.org
Tel: (263) 864 411 9477 | Twitter: @crisiscoalition/ @zeemtvonline |Facebook: Crisis in
Zimbabwe Coalition | Youtube: CrisisCoalitionZim
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