Pan‑African Civil Society Demands Accountability as Tanzania Faces Allegations of Post-Election Violence
November 09, 2025
-Human Rights Groups Accuse President Samia Suluhu’s Government Of Mass Killings And Call For Urgent International Intervention
By Burnett Munthali
A coalition of pan‑African civil society organisations has accused Tanzania’s government of committing mass killings and widespread repression following the October 29, 2025, elections.
The coalition, comprising over 40 organisations across the continent, has demanded that President Samia Suluhu step down and face justice for alleged crimes against humanity.
According to the groups, security forces killed at least 3,000 people, forcibly disappeared others, and buried victims in hastily dug mass graves in areas including Mabwepande, while hospitals and morgues were allegedly guarded to conceal the scale of the violence.
Independent observers have heavily criticised the election, with the African Union stating that the polls “did not comply with AU principles, normative frameworks, and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections.”
Opposition parties, notably CHADEMA, have reported that the electoral environment was marred by the exclusion of key challengers, internet blackouts, alleged ballot-stuffing, and aggressive policing, all of which contributed to widespread protests and a brutal crackdown.
The civil society coalition is urging regional bodies, including the AU and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), to intervene, conduct independent investigations, impose sanctions, and withhold recognition of the government until meaningful reforms are implemented.
Tanzania’s government has rejected the allegations, claiming the reported figures are inflated and insisting that the election was free and fair, while the official death toll remains undisclosed.
Human rights observers warn that these events mark one of the most serious political crises in East Africa in recent history and pose a critical test for regional democratic standards.
The coalition’s demands reflect wider concerns across Africa about the resurgence of authoritarian practices, with Tanzania’s case drawing particular attention due to the country’s strategic and regional significance.
The international community now faces mounting pressure to respond decisively, either by supporting accountability measures or risking the perpetuation of unaddressed human rights violations in Tanzania.
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But during October 29 some of the opposition leaders orchestrated the use of violence against some major parts and infrastructures the people were killing others,stealing things, burning businesses and even damaging the public properties on top of that people even killed police officers because some of them were having guns and weapons…..how do you expect the government to stop them peaceful whilst they kill police men …that’s what triggered the use of weapons which ended into killings….then tell me how is this fact avoided by those calling themselves human rights organisations !?
What about the rights of the people whose business were burnt,what of foreigners whose shops and petrol stations were burnt …who will give their rights….would you expect the government to just sit a side while people destroy what was built using the tax payers money …would you expect the government to try and speak to people who only use fire arms and weapons against police officers!?
But during October 29 some of the opposition leaders orchestrated the use of violence against some major parts and infrastructures the people were killing others,stealing things, burning businesses and even damaging the public properties on top of that people even killed police officers because some of them were having guns and weapons…..how do you expect the government to stop them peaceful whilst they kill police men …that’s what triggered the use of weapons which ended into killings….then tell me how is this fact avoided by those calling themselves human rights organisations !?
What about the rights of the people whose business were burnt,what of foreigners whose shops and petrol stations were burnt …who will give their rights….would you expect the government to just sit a side while people destroy what was built using the tax payers money …would you expect the government to try and speak to people who only use fire arms and weapons against police officers!?