A coalition of European countries has issued a stern joint statement expressing deep concern over post-election violence in Tanzania, citing credible reports of extrajudicial killings, disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and concealment of bodies.
The statement, signed by embassies of Britain, Canada, Norway, Switzerland, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, and the European Union delegation, urged the Tanzanian government to release all political prisoners and deceased individuals to their families.
"Credible reports from domestic and international organisations show evidence of extrajudicial killings, disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and concealment of dead bodie," the statement said.
"We call on the authorities to urgently release all the bodies of the dead to their families, to further release all political prisoners and allow detainees legal and medical support."
The communiqué also called for independent and transparent investigations into the violence, emphasizing that inquiries must involve civil society, faith-based organizations, and all political actors.
The European nations stressed that the government must uphold international commitments to protect freedom of expression, access to information, and constitutional rights for all citizens.
The statement recalled recommendations from preliminary African Union (AU) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) election reports, highlighting persistent shortcomings in Tanzania’s electoral process.
While welcoming the government’s acknowledgment of the need to understand the root causes of post-election violence, the Europeans stressed that justice and reconciliation depend on credible and inclusive investigations.
On Thursday, the United States announced a comprehensive review of its bilateral ties with Tanzania, citing ongoing repression, widespread human rights violations, and violence against civilians surrounding the October 29 elections.
While not the primary focus of the European statement, Washington’s move adds to the growing international scrutiny.
The vote, which the government claims President Samia Suluhu Hassan won with 97 percent, was marred by unrest.
Subsequent weeks saw widespread reports of killings, disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and internet shutdowns.
Human rights groups report that hundreds of people were detained or killed, while families continue searching hospitals and police stations for missing relatives.
Tensions remain high ahead of planned nationwide anti-government demonstrations set for December 9, with protests expected to begin as early as December 5.
The US Embassy in Dar es Salaam issued a security alert warning American citizens to avoid large gatherings and anticipate curfews, movement restrictions, and internet disruptions. Foreign nationals have reportedly faced heightened scrutiny, including searches of electronic devices for politically sensitive content.
In recent days, two prominent activists reported restrictions on their social media accounts after criticizing the government, raising further concerns about shrinking civic space and the intimidation of dissenting voices.
President Samia has defended the deployment of security forces during and after the elections, stating that measures were necessary to prevent an attempted coup. Her administration has acknowledged casualties but has not released official figures. Human rights organizations have filed a petition with the International Criminal Court seeking investigation into alleged killings.
The combined pressure from European states, the United States, multilateral bodies, and civil society underscores rising global concern over Tanzania’s political environment.
European nations have stressed that any inquiry into post-election violence must be independent, transparent, and inclusive to ensure accountability and reconciliation.