A coalition of 17 European countries, together with the United Kingdom, Canada, and Norway, has issued a strong joint statement expressing alarm over the situation in Tanzania following the recent elections. The group cited mounting reports of killings, disappearances, arbitrary detentions, and other human rights abuses linked to the post-election unrest.
The statement released by the British and Canadian High Commissions and the Embassies of Norway, Switzerland, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, alongside the EU Delegation — expressed deep regret at the loss of lives and injuries recorded in the aftermath of the polls.
Concern Over Violence and Rights Abuses
The missions referred to earlier remarks by the EU High Representative on November 2, 2025, as well as a separate joint statement from the foreign ministers of Canada, Norway, and the UK issued on October 31. Both statements had raised concerns about the electoral process and the heavy-handed response that followed.
Drawing on findings from “credible domestic and international organisations,” the group pointed to evidence of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and alleged efforts to conceal bodies.
They further urged Tanzania to uphold its international obligations, including the protection of freedom of expression, access to information, and other constitutional rights. The coalition called for the immediate release of all political detainees, the return of bodies of victims to their families, and proper access to medical and legal support for all those in custody.
Calls for Implementation of AU and SADC Recommendations
The joint statement also urged authorities in Tanzania to act on the recommendations presented by the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in their preliminary election reports. Both bodies documented significant weaknesses in the electoral framework and processes.
They emphasized that any official inquiry must be independent, transparent, and inclusive, engaging civil society, faith-based organizations, and political stakeholders.
President Samia Rejects External Interference Claims
The joint statement was released shortly after President Samia Suluhu Hassan delivered a firm message about the post-election unrest. In her address earlier this week, she accused foreign actors of attempting to destabilize the nation, claiming that outsiders were unsettled by Tanzania’s long-standing peace.
She asserted that some external forces aimed to “destroy this country after destroying their own,” insisting that Tanzania’s stability had become an irritant to those seeking to sow discord. Offering condolences to families who lost loved ones, President Samia stressed national unity. Noting the pain of one Tanzanian is the pain of the country. As tensions remain high, calls for transparency, accountability, and national dialogue continue to grow both locally and internationally.
