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Tanzania: UN Human Rights Council Condemns Election-Related Violence

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The United Nations Human Rights Council has expressed concern over the deaths and injuries caused by security forces during ongoing election-related protests in Tanzania. The protests have led to a nationwide curfew and widespread internet restrictions, sparking calls for human rights authorities to uphold Tanzania's obligations under international law. The council has urged the security forces to refrain from using unnecessary force against protesters and to facilitate citizens' enjoyment of their rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least 10 people were killed in Dar es Salaam, Shinyanga, and Morogoro as security forces used firearms and teargas to disperse protesters.
  • A nationwide curfew is in place, and access to the internet appears to have been widely restricted since the 29 October general election.
  • The UN Human Rights Council calls on the security forces to refrain from using unnecessary or disproportionate force against protesters.
  • Protesters should demonstrate peacefully, and authorities must promptly reinstate access to the internet and facilitate citizens' full enjoyment of their rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.
  • Opposition figures, including Chadema party leader and his deputy, were arbitrarily arrested and detained, and people expressing dissenting views disappeared.
  • All those in arbitrary detention must be immediately and unconditionally released and those held legally must be accorded full due process and fair trial rights.
  • The authorities must ensure prompt, impartial, and effective investigations into all cases of election-related violence.

Statistics:

  • At least 10 people were killed in election-related protests in Tanzania.
  • 3 cities (Dar es Salaam, Shinyanga, Morogoro) reported deaths and injuries.
  • The internet has been restricted nationwide since 29 October.
  • The UN Human Rights Council has called for authorities to refrain from using force against protesters.
  • Access to the internet is a critical right prevented by authorities.
  • Arrests of opposition figures continued during electoral campaigns (at least 2 party leaders and 1 deputy).
  • Disappearances of people expressing dissenting views have been reported.

Sources:

  • United Nations Human Rights Council
  • Ravina Shamdasani, Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
  • Seif Magango, from Nairobi via Zoom

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