Tanzania Rejects International Criticism of Election Violence, Cites Sovereign Inquiry
GENEVA — Tanzania has dismissed recent statements from several Western governments and human rights organizations concerning post-election violence as “one-sided and unverified,” asserting that the incidents referenced occurred during its October 2025 general election.
The Tanzanian government issued a formal right of reply to comments from Belgium, Norway, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Sweden, and Switzerland, alongside Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. In a detailed statement delivered in Geneva on October 29, 2025, Tanzania’s Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva, Dr. Abdallah Saleh Possi, provided the government’s account of the events.
Dr. Possi stated that Tanzania experienced coordinated attacks on police stations, local government offices, public transport, private homes, and businesses in multiple locations. He added that some citizens exercising their right to vote were also targeted. The diplomat characterized these not as isolated incidents but as deliberate efforts to undermine constitutional order and obstruct a lawful electoral process.
“Democracy must be safeguarded by protecting fundamental rights while upholding the rule of law,” Dr. Possi said, arguing that actions intended to disrupt an election cannot be considered legitimate political participation.
He emphasized Tanzania’s sovereign responsibility to maintain peace, security, and the constitutional system. In this context, he defended the government’s measures to prevent violence and ensure stability.
Addressing the international concerns directly, Dr. Possi highlighted that President Samia Suluhu Hassan has established an independent commission of inquiry. This commission, comprising internationally recognized experts, is tasked with investigating the election-related incidents, establishing facts, and recommending appropriate measures. He noted appreciation for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ acknowledgment of the commission’s work.
Following a brief extension, the commission is scheduled to submit its final report on April 3, 2026. Dr. Possi indicated that the findings will inform future reconciliation efforts, as well as potential constitutional and institutional reforms. He expressed confidence that Tanzania would emerge from the process “stronger and more united,” reiterating that violence has no place in the nation’s political culture.
Concluding, Dr. Possi called on development partners to respect Tanzania’s sovereignty and authority, framing the independent inquiry as the appropriate domestic mechanism to address the complex events surrounding the election. The government’s response underscores a commitment to managing the post-election period through nationally-led processes while firmly rejecting external characterization of the incidents.
