Today, 7th November 2025, we, the undersigned Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), strongly condemn widespread human rights violations that occurred before, during, and after Tanzania’s 2025 General Elections.
These include killings of civilians, unlawful arrests, abductions, enforced disappearances, suppression of media freedoms, an internet shutdown, and denial of due process rights.
There are verified reports of excessive use of force against unarmed demonstrators, including reprisal killings of civilians, some in their own homes. Families have been left traumatized, and children have witnessed violence against their parents.
Journalists were not spared: Master Tindwa (Clouds Media) was killed at his home in Temeke, Kelvin Lameck Mwakangondya (Baraka FM, Mbeya) was killed while on duty, A journalist from Azam Media was seriously injured, and two others, Godfrey Thomas (Ayo TV) and Alphonce Kusaga (Sunrise Radio), were arrested in Arusha. A religious leader, Sheikh Msopa, was shot dead at his home in Dar es Salaam.
We also note reports of mass arrests and detentions of hundreds of civilians, particularly youth, across several regions, many still held without bail or court appearance. For six consecutive days since 29th October, the nationwide internet shutdown restricted access to information, monitoring of elections, and exposure of rights violations, in direct breach of Article 18 of the Constitution and international obligations.
We stand in solidarity with all victims and urge the Government to:
1️⃣ Release all detainees or bring them before the court.
2️⃣ Allow families to bury their loved ones.
3️⃣ Permit independent investigations into the killings.
4️⃣ Prosecute those responsible.
5️⃣ Uphold freedom of expression and the media.
6️⃣ Work toward reconciliation and national healing.
7️⃣ Compensate affected families.
Signed by: LHRC, Twaweza, Foundation for Civil Society, JamiiAfrica, Msichana Initiative, Centre for Strategic Litigation, and Internet Governance Tanzania Working Group.
📄 Full statement attached.