KHRC: Tanzania doesn’t have election but crackdown disguised as democracy

The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has condemned the upcoming Tanzanian general election, terming it a “sham exercise” meant to legitimise authoritarian rule under President Samia Suluhu Hassan rather than uphold democracy.

In a statement on Tuesday, October 28, 2025,  KHRC accused the Tanzanian government of staging a coronation, not an election, following widespread reports of intimidation, arbitrary arrests, media censorship, and the elimination of political opposition.

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“Fellow East Africans, we stand here as citizens of Jumuiya (the East African Community). The tragic occurrences we are witnessing in Tanzania go against the very principles that underpin our region. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” the statement read.

According to KHRC, no free and fair elections are taking place in Tanzania, as all major opposition candidates, particularly those from the CHADEMA party, have either been detained, disqualified, or exiled. The group said President Suluhu’s only competition is “her own shadow”.

“Samia Suluhu is preparing for her coronation. Her only opposition has been jailed, barred, or silenced. What is happening in Tanzania is not an election, it is maigizo (drama),” the statement continued.

Human rights abuses and enforced disappearances

KHRC detailed a grim pattern of enforced disappearances, torture, rape, arbitrary detentions, and extrajudicial killings targeting political opponents, activists, journalists, and even clergy.

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Over 250 people have reportedly been abducted or killed since 2024, with CHADEMA leader Tundu Lissu recently arrested on frivolous treason charges after demanding electoral reforms. The party has since been banned from participating in the election.

“The country has been reeling under a silent epidemic of enforced disappearances. Victims are either never seen again or later found dead, showing signs of torture,” KHRC noted.

The group also cited Amnesty International’s report titled “Wave of Terror Sweeps Across Tanzania,” which described the pre-election atmosphere as “unopposed, unchecked, and unjust.”

Attacks on religious leaders

The crackdown has reportedly extended to religious institutions and clergy critical of the government.

KHRC highlighted the deregistration of the Ufufuo na Uzima Church, led by Bishop Josephat Gwajima, following his calls for accountability and an end to abductions.

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Several pastors and bishops, including Bishop Benson Bagonza and Bishop Machumu Kadatu, have fled Tanzania after receiving death threats, while others, like Stephen Gumbo, have been abducted and tortured.

Media censorship and lack of observation

 Further, KHRC condemned Tanzania’s blanket ban on international media and revocation of local licenses, saying the country has effectively criminalized dissent and silenced journalism.

“No credible observation mission is currently in Tanzania. The US, EU, and UNDP have all withdrawn from the process. What remains is a coronation disguised as an election,” KHRC said.

The group criticised the African Union (AU) and East African Community (EAC) for recognising the election despite the mounting abuses, accusing them of “turning a blind eye to tyranny.”

Call for regional solidarity

KHRC urged East Africans to stand in solidarity with Tanzanians, saying the crisis threatens regional democracy.

“Borders will not limit our brotherhood and sisterhood. As despots regroup to oppress citizens, we as East Africans are regrouping to reclaim our countries and freedoms,” the statement concluded.

The commission called on the EAC, AU, and international community to condemn the sham election, impose sanctions on Tanzanian officials, and demand the immediate release of political prisoners.

“The so-called election in Tanzania is not democracy, it’s a crackdown disguised as one. Africans deserve better than governments that loot, silence, and terrorize their people,” KHRC affirmed.