Tanzania: the international community should act to prevent further violations

Following the Tanzanian authorities’ brutal response to widespread pro­tests that took place in the aftermath of the 29 October 2025 presidential and legislative elections, civil society urges the international community to take action to prevent further abuses. 

In a letter released today, 30 NGOs draw UN Human Rights Council Members’ and Observers’ attention to Tanzania’s deteriorating human rights situation. They suggest several steps to address the crisis, including a public brie­fing by the High Commissioner for Hu­man Rights and, if needed, the convening of a special session of the Council. 

In their joint letter, the signatories:

  • Outline developments since the 29 October 2025 elections, including violence that claimed the lives of hundreds of Tanzanians who took part in protests and the ongoing crackdown on dissenting voices, independent actors, and opposition mem­bers and sup­por­ters;
  • Analyse the context in which these violations take place – that of a broader crackdown on civic space and the rule of law, as repression mounted in the electoral period, echoing previous con­cerns over Tanzania’s human rights record; and
  • Stress that the current human rights crisis is of unprecedented magnitude and puts the stability of the East Africa and Great Lakes regions at stake.


This call is issued ahead of major protests, planned for 9 December 2025, with risks of further violence and as “treason” charges have been brought against hundreds of Tanzanians and authorities are pro­pa­ga­ting an aggres­sive rhetoric targeting civil society and protesters.

The letter’s signatories highlight that the Human Rights Council “should act urgently to prevent a further deterioration of Tan­zania’s human rights situ­ation and ensure justice and accountability for serious human rights violations,” as concerns exist over the credibility of the recently-announced national commission of inquiry. The letter refers to the Human Rights Council’s prevention mandate and risks of further serious human rights violations.

“Should the situation further deteriorate,” signatories write, “States should consider convening a special session of the Hu­man Rights Council to address the grave human rights violations committed in the context of the Tanza­nian authorities’ crackdown on 2025 post-election protests and the rule of law.” 

  • English version (PDF)
  • French version / version française (PDF)

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