Amnesty International has warned that Tanzania is sliding deeper into a human rights crisis following last month’s disputed elections, urging African regional bodies to act before the situation worsens.
In a statement released on Wedsday, the global human rights watchdog said Tanzanian authorities under President Samia Suluhu Hassan had intensified their crackdown on dissent, targeting journalists, opposition leaders, activists, and civil society groups.
The group described the government’s response to post-election unrest as a coordinated assault on fundamental freedoms.
Amnesty reported that protests erupted across the country on October 29 after two key opposition candidates were disqualified from running in the election.
Security forces allegedly used excessive force, including live ammunition and tear gas, to disperse demonstrators.
The organization further accused the government of imposing a six-day internet shutdown that disrupted access to information and limited communication nationwide.
According to Amnesty, several people were unlawfully detained or disappeared during the blackout period, while others were allegedly killed in clashes with police.
“Without accountability, justice for victims remains elusive,” the statement read, calling for the African Union (AU) and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) to investigate the violations.
The Tanzanian government has not yet responded to the allegations, though in previous cases it has denied claims of rights abuses and maintained that its security operations are lawful and aimed at maintaining public order.
The reported crackdown has raised concerns in neighbouring Kenya and across the East African region, where political freedoms and internet rights have been recurring issues.
Tanzania, once praised for its relative stability, has faced repeated criticism from international observers since the 2020 elections, which were also marred by similar allegations of voter intimidation and media restrictions.
Amnesty’s appeal to regional institutions highlights growing calls for accountability in East Africa, where elections have often been accompanied by tension and allegations of state overreach.
The organization warned that unless immediate steps are taken, Tanzania risks entrenching repression ahead of the next general polls.