Tanzania Human Rights: Killings, Violations & Blackouts 2024

tanzania’s post-Election Crackdown: Internet Shutdowns,⁣ Excessive Force, and a Growing Human Rights Crisis

Updated November 3, 2025 – Following the October 29th general‌ elections in Tanzania, a disturbing pattern ⁤of repression is unfolding. Authorities have implemented a partial internet shutdown, accompanied⁣ by reports⁤ of excessive force used against peaceful protestors,⁢ raising serious concerns about the state of human⁣ rights and ​democratic freedoms in ⁣the​ country. Amnesty International is urgently calling for ⁢an end to the suppression of dissent ⁣and a full investigation ​into alleged abuses.

A Week of Disconnection and Violence

For nearly⁤ a week,Tanzanians have experienced widespread⁣ disruptions to internet and electricity services. This isn’t an isolated incident. This marks the third time in under a year the Tanzanian government has resorted to internet blockades – a tactic ⁣increasingly employed globally to stifle opposition and control the flow of information.

“The intentional‍ disruption of ⁣communication networks, coupled​ with credible reports of security‌ forces using excessive force against protestors, is deeply alarming,” says Vongai​ Chikwanda, Deputy Regional Director ​for East and Southern Africa at Amnesty International. “These actions represent a blatant disregard for fundamental human rights,‌ including the ​right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.”

Reports emerging from cities like⁤ Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, Tunduma, Tanga, and Mwanza⁣ detail security forces‍ violently dispersing post-election demonstrations. Tragically, these actions have resulted in both deaths and injuries among protestors. The lack of autonomous verification, exacerbated by the⁤ internet restrictions,​ makes a ⁤full assessment of the scale of ⁤the‌ violence tough, but the available evidence paints a grim picture.

Demanding Accountability and Release of Detainees

Amnesty International is demanding immediate action from⁣ Tanzanian authorities:

* End the Suppression of Protests: Authorities must immediately cease all attempts to ​suppress ⁣peaceful assembly and instead actively protect and facilitate this fundamental right.
*‍ Unconditional‌ Release of Detainees: All individuals arrested solely for exercising​ their right to peaceful assembly must be released without condition.
* Independent Investigation into Killings: A prompt, thorough, independent, impartial, transparent, and effective ⁤investigation ‌must ⁢be launched into all killings allegedly ⁣committed by security agents.​ Those found responsible must be brought to justice through fair ​trials. ⁤Victims and their families deserve access to justice and effective remedies.
* Restore Internet Access & Media Freedom: The authorities must immediately restore full internet access and ensure⁣ access to essential public services.Both local⁣ and international media must be allowed to report freely on the human rights situation without restriction. The current limitations⁢ are hindering crucial verification of information and ‌documentation of election-related human rights violations.

A Troubled Election and a History‌ of Repression

The October 29th election was marred by concerns​ over fairness and inclusivity. The ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party dominated the process, while key opposition figures ⁢- ‍tundu Lissu of chadema (Party for Democracy and progress) and Luhaga Mpina⁣ of ACT-Wazalendo – were barred from running.

This election took ⁤place‍ against a backdrop of escalating ⁢repression of dissent. ⁤ As outlined in Amnesty ⁣International’s pre-election briefing (available ‌ here), Tanzanian authorities have systematically intensified their crackdown on opposition members, journalists, human rights defenders, activists, and civil society organizations. ​ This‍ includes arbitrary arrests, intimidation, and restrictions​ on freedom of expression.

The internet restrictions imposed on election day, ​disrupting mobile data and blocking social media platforms, further demonstrate this pattern of control. While partial resumption of services was‍ reported in​ some​ cities on november 3rd, the ongoing limitations remain a meaningful concern.

Why This Matters: The Erosion of Democratic Freedoms

The events unfolding in Tanzania are not ⁤simply about an election dispute. They represent a dangerous trend towards the erosion of democratic freedoms and a disregard for fundamental‌ human rights.The use of internet⁤ shutdowns ​as a ⁣tool of political control is​ becoming increasingly‍ common, but it is indeed a tactic that undermines ⁤transparency, accountability, and the ability of ‌citizens to participate meaningfully in​ the ‍democratic process.

Amnesty ⁢International will continue to monitor the situation in​ Tanzania closely⁤ and advocate for the protection of human rights.The international community must hold the Tanzanian authorities‍ accountable for their actions and demand an ​end⁣ to the repression of peaceful ⁣dissent.

Resources:

* [Amnesty International Briefing: Tanzania – Intensified Repression Ahead of Elections](https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/afr56/0376/2025/en