Tanzania Election Protests: Amnesty International Calls for Restraint and Accountability

Strategic Insights -

Tanzanians went to the polls on 29 October, amidst a tense election environment where the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party dominated the scene. The election was marred by the barring of two main opposition presidential candidates, Tundu Lissu from Chadema and Luhaga Mpina from ACT-Wazalendo. As protests erupted, calling for a boycott of the elections, Amnesty International urged the authorities to exercise restraint and refrain from using excessive force against protesters. Two people were killed, and several others injured in the protests, sparking concerns about the country's human rights record.

Key Takeaways:

  • Amnesty International's Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah, called on the Tanzanian authorities to respect the human rights of all citizens before, during, and after the elections.
  • The organization condemned the killing of one general member of the public and one police officer during election day protests in Tanzania, urging the police to exercise restraint and refrain from using unnecessary and excessive force against protesters.
  • Amnesty International called for a thorough and independent investigation into the unlawful use of lethal force against protesters, with the perpetrators being held accountable.
  • A nationwide internet disruption in Tanzania threatens to further inflame the situation, and the authorities must ensure unrestricted access to information both online and offline.
  • The organization also highlighted the repression of dissent against the opposition, journalists, civil society, and human rights defenders in Tanzania, as outlined in a briefing launched ahead of the elections.

Statistics:

  • At least two people were killed and several others injured during protests calling for a boycott of the 2025 general elections in Tanzania.
  • The Tanzanian authorities have a constitutional responsibility to respect the human rights of all citizens before, during, and after the elections.
  • Amnesty International has expressed concern about the use of live ammunition against protesters in Tanzania, highlighting the risk of further escalation.

Sources:

  • Amnesty International's Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah
  • Amnesty International's briefing on the repression of dissent in Tanzania ahead of the 2025 general elections