Kigali: Western missions, including the United States, the United Nations (UN), and the European Union (EU), are formally demanding government action regarding the crisis stemming from election-related protests in Tanzania.
According to Nam News Network, a joint statement from the British and Canadian high commissions and embassies of Norway, Switzerland, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, and Sweden, called for a proper and transparent investigation into reports of state-instigated civilian killings and concealment of dead bodies. These missions urged President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration to address recommendations by election observers from the African Union and Southern African Development Community (SADC) regarding Tanzanian electoral shortcomings.
The joint message follows statements from the US and UN underscoring the serious political crisis caused by a poorly handled election. This has created challenges for the Samia admin
istration to regain international confidence. The EU Parliament resolution on November 29 proposed a complete EU aid cut to Tanzania, potentially blocking a £156 million ($181.82 million) funding package for 2025, due to concerns about repression and human-rights violations.
The resolution awaits final endorsement by the EU Council and Commission. The US Department of State announced a comprehensive review of its bilateral relationship with Tanzania, citing government actions raising concerns about the relationship’s direction and the Tanzanian government’s reliability as a partner. The US highlighted ongoing repression of religious freedom and free speech, obstacles to US investment, and violence against civilians related to the October 29 elections.
Thomas Pigott, the department’s principal deputy spokesperson, stated actions jeopardizing US citizens’ safety in Tanzania undermined mutual prosperity and security. He emphasized the future relationship depends on Tanzanian government actions. Observers noted
the US statement’s timing coincided with President Donald Trump’s meeting with African leaders for a peace deal between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, from which Tanzania was excluded.
President Samia criticized external attempts to undermine her government and cited influencers, including Tanzanians in the diaspora, as instigators of protests. She defended the use of deadly force to quell demonstrations. Although declared to have won 98 percent of the vote, her victory and the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party’s sweeping National Assembly success are widely questioned due to the government’s reluctance to release casualty figures from violence.
A UN special rapporteurs’ report condemned human rights violations and called for an investigation into reported killings and enforced disappearances. According to UN experts, security officers were ordered to shoot to kill during a crackdown, conducted alongside a nationwide internet shutdown. The estimated death toll is at least 700, with allega
tions of incinerated remains or unidentified mass graves.
The government established an inquiry commission to investigate protests and human-rights violations. UN rapporteurs stressed the need for independence and full participation of victims and civil society organizations. They warned of planned demonstrations on December 9, urging authorities to prevent further violations and protect peaceful assembly rights.