A powerful coalition of Kenyan and African civil society organisations has released a joint statement demanding that Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan take full responsibility for what they describe as serious human rights violations that followed Tanzania’s October 29 general election.
The coalition, operating under the Pan-African network known as Jumuiya Ni Yetu, accused President Suluhu’s administration of presiding over widespread killings, abductions, and illegal detentions targeting innocent civilians, opposition members, and human rights defenders.
In their statement, the groups demanded President Suluhu’s immediate resignation, insisting that her administration has failed to protect citizens and uphold justice.
They proposed the creation of an interim transitional government to restore peace, law, and democracy in the country.
They further appealed to the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) to begin independent investigations into what they called “mass atrocities and systemic abuses” carried out by state agents in Tanzania.
“The African people cannot continue to watch in silence as innocent lives are lost and human rights trampled upon. We call upon President Samia Suluhu to step down and allow for a credible transitional process that ensures justice and accountability,” the statement read.
International Sanctions and Accountability
The coalition, which represents more than 40 civic organisations from across Africa — including Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana — also called for the imposition of international sanctions against top Tanzanian government officials believed to be behind the violence and repression.
They demanded the immediate release of all political detainees and prisoners who were arrested for expressing their opinions or supporting opposition parties.
The groups also pushed for the restoration of internet services and the reopening of civic spaces to allow journalists, activists, and opposition leaders to operate freely without intimidation.
Regional Stability at Risk
The organisations expressed grave concern that the ongoing crisis in Tanzania poses a serious threat to democracy in the region. They warned that several African governments appear to be adopting similar oppressive tactics to silence dissent and restrict political freedoms.
“The continued silence of regional bodies like the East African Community (EAC) and the African Union (AU) is deeply troubling. Their failure to act emboldens authoritarian regimes and weakens the principles of justice and accountability across the continent,” the coalition noted.
Reports of Hidden Operations and Cover-Ups
The statement went further to accuse Tanzanian security agencies of conducting coordinated night raids, arbitrary arrests, and extrajudicial killings in key cities such as Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza, and Mbeya.
The lobby groups also alleged that hospitals and mortuaries have been placed under tight surveillance by state agents to hide the true number of casualties.
According to their findings, journalists and activists attempting to document the violence have faced intimidation, arrests, and forced disappearances. Some have reportedly gone into hiding to escape persecution.
Call for Global Intervention
While the Tanzanian government has not yet issued an official response to these serious allegations, the coalition urged African leaders and international organisations to step in immediately to prevent further bloodshed.
They cautioned that remaining silent or indifferent would amount to complicity in covering up crimes against humanity.
The groups concluded by reaffirming their commitment to defending democracy and human rights across Africa, warning that unless decisive action is taken, authoritarianism will continue to spread across the continent under the watch of silent regional bodies.
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