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
