Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – As Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan was sworn into office on Monday, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in Tanzania following the country’s general elections held on 29 October 2025.
In a statement issued in Banjul on 1 November 2025, the Commission said it is “extremely concerned” by reports of widespread unrest across the country after post-election protests turned violent.
According to the ACHPR, hundreds of people are feared dead and many others injured during clashes between demonstrators and security forces, though the nationwide internet shutdown has made it difficult to verify the exact number of casualties.
“The Commission wishes to underscore that these reports, if accurate, would constitute very grave violations of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which the United Republic of Tanzania voluntarily undertook upon ratification on 18 February 1984,” the statement read.
The Commission reminded the Tanzanian government of its obligation to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms during the electoral process, reiterating the principles enshrined in its Resolution 331 on Elections in Africa.
The resolution calls on African states to ensure peaceful, free, fair, and transparent elections, to prevent and investigate human rights violations, and to provide redress to victims.
Referring to its Resolution 281 on the Right to Peaceful Demonstrations, the ACHPR also expressed concern over reports of arbitrary arrests, detentions, and the excessive use of force—including live ammunition and tear gas—against protesters. It urged the Tanzanian authorities to “refrain from conducting arbitrary arrests and detentions of demonstrators” and to ensure that law enforcement officials comply fully with international standards on the use of force and firearms.
“The Commission condemns the reports of the deteriorating human rights situation in Tanzania and calls on the Government to prioritize de-escalating the prevailing situation,” the statement continued, adding that the authorities must ensure that security forces refrain from using disproportionate force and that independent investigations are urgently initiated into the alleged abuses.
In addition, the ACHPR renewed its call for Tanzania to sign and ratify the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance, which underscores the need for regular, free, and transparent elections conducted by impartial national electoral bodies.
The Commission concluded by affirming that it will continue to “closely monitor the human rights situation in the United Republic of Tanzania.”
