UN calls out Tanzania over election-related killings and suppression of rights
By Steve Ireri, October 31, 2025The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the deaths and injuries recorded during ongoing election-related protests in Tanzania, calling on authorities to halt the use of excessive force and uphold fundamental human rights.
In a statement issued on Friday, October 31, 2025, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said it had received credible reports indicating that at least ten people were killed in Dar es Salaam, Shinyanga, and Morogoro after security forces opened fire and used teargas to disperse demonstrators.
“We are alarmed by the deaths and injuries that have occurred in the ongoing election-related protests in Tanzania. Credible reports we have received indicate that at least 10 people were killed in Dar es Salaam, Shinyanga and Morogoro as the security forces used firearms and teargas to disperse protesters,” OHCHR noted.
Also watch: Amnesty International sounds alarm over escalating repression in Tanzania
Post-election protest
The protests erupted following the October 29, 2025, general election, which opposition groups have claimed was marred by irregularities.
The UN said it was alarmed by the heavy-handed response of Tanzanian security forces and the escalating violence, noting that the situation was being compounded by a nationwide curfew and widespread internet restrictions that have remained in place since the polls.
The blackout, the organisation added, has made it difficult for citizens to access information and communicate freely.
“A nationwide curfew is in place, and access to the internet appears to have been widely restricted since the 29 October general election, without any official reasons being given,” the statement added.
The UN spokespersons, Ravina Shamdasani from Geneva and Seif Magango from Nairobi, urged the Tanzanian authorities to refrain from using unnecessary or disproportionate force, including lethal weapons, and to prioritise peaceful engagement with demonstrators.
Also watch: 2 Kenyans shot at Namanga border amid Tanzania election protests.
They further called on security agencies to make every effort to de-escalate tensions and respect the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and expression.
“We call on the security forces to refrain from using unnecessary or disproportionate force, including lethal weapons, against protesters, and to make every effort to de-escalate tensions. Protesters should demonstrate peacefully,” the statement added.
The OHCHR reminded Tanzania of its obligations under international human rights law, insisting that the government must immediately restore internet access and allow citizens to exercise their constitutional freedoms without fear or interference.
The agency warned that any continued suppression of communication would only deepen public mistrust in the electoral process and hinder reconciliation efforts.
According to the UN, the violence witnessed in the aftermath of the election follows a campaign period characterised by reports of arbitrary arrests and detentions of opposition figures, including leaders from the main opposition party, Chadema, and allegations of enforced disappearances of individuals critical of the government.
“We urge the authorities to fully uphold Tanzania’s obligations under international human rights law. They must promptly reinstate access to the internet and facilitate citizens’ full enjoyment of their rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly. Curtailment of communication will only further undermine public trust in the electoral process,” the UN added.
The UN said all those detained arbitrarily should be released without delay, while those held lawfully must be accorded full due process and fair trial rights.
It also called for prompt, impartial, and effective investigations into all cases of election-related violence, with perpetrators held accountable through credible judicial mechanisms.
“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.”