UN Calls for Restraint in Tanzania Amid Post-Election Violence

Strategic Insights -

The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has issued a press release expressing alarm over the deaths and injuries resulting from the ongoing election-related protests in Tanzania. At least 10 people have been 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 has been restricted since the 29 October general election. The UN calls on the security forces to refrain from using unnecessary or disproportionate force and to facilitate citizens' enjoyment of their rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least 10 people have been killed in Dar es Salaam, Shinyanga, and Morogoro during the ongoing election-related protests in Tanzania.
  • Security forces have used firearms and teargas to disperse protesters, and a nationwide curfew is in place.
  • Access to the internet has been widely restricted since the 29 October general election without any official reason being given.
  • The UN calls on the security forces to refrain from using unnecessary or disproportionate force and to ensure that those responsible for election-related violence are brought to justice.
  • Access to the internet is essential for citizens to fully enjoy their rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.
  • The opposition Chadema party leader and his deputy, as well as the former ambassador to Cuba, have been arrested and detained.
  • 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.

Statistics:

  • 10 people killed in Dar es Salaam, Shinyanga, and Morogoro during the ongoing election-related protests in Tanzania.
  • Nationwide curfew in place since the protests began.
  • Internet access restricted for the entire country since 29 October general election.
  • At least 10 protest-related deaths reported from Dar es Salaam, Shinyanga, and Morogoro.
  • Opposition Chadema party leader and his deputy, as well as former ambassador to Cuba, arrested and detained.

Sources:

  • "Tanzania: UN High Commissioner highlights need for restraint and respect for human rights in wake of elections" (United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, no date)