Dar es Salaam has become the focal point of a joint appeal from the embassies of 16 countries, including Great Britain, Canada, and the European Union delegation, urging the Tanzanian government to release political prisoners and return the bodies of missing persons. The appeal stresses the need for the government to uphold its international commitments to protecting fundamental freedoms, such as access to information and freedom of expression for all Tanzanians.
The call follows the country’s general elections on 29 October, which were won by incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan. After the vote, violent clashes erupted between protesters and security forces, leading to reports of extrajudicial killings, disappearances and arbitrary arrests. Credible domestic and international organizations have documented these human‑rights abuses, including the concealment of dead bodies. The signatory governments are demanding that Tanzanian authorities urgently release the bodies to families, free all political prisoners, and ensure they have access to legal and medical support. They also urge the government to address the recommendations of the African Union and Southern African Development Community preliminary election reports, which highlighted shortcomings in the electoral process.
The Tanzanian Episcopal Conference has also spoken out against the violence. Secretary‑General Father Charles Kitima denounced police and armed groups that stormed hospitals in Dar es Salaam, attempting to prevent medical care for wounded civilians. He reported that doctors and nurses at Catholic hospitals refused to obey police orders and continued treating victims without hindrance. This incident adds to a series of concerns about the government’s handling of the post‑election situation, including the brutal attack on the TEC Secretary‑General in April and reports of intimidation and harassment of opposition leaders and activists.
The international community is watching closely, with the European Union and other countries calling for an independent, transparent and inclusive inquiry into the electoral process and the subsequent violence. The situation in Tanzania remains tense, and many are urging the government to take immediate action to address the human‑rights abuses and hold those responsible accountable. The appeal for the release of political prisoners and the return of missing persons’ bodies represents a significant step toward promoting accountability and upholding the fundamental freedoms of all Tanzanians.
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