Tanzania is set to witness nationwide protests on December 9, following the violent aftermath of last month’s elections. Amnesty International has urged Tanzanian authorities to respect and protect the rights to peaceful assembly and expression, ensuring that the demonstrations are facilitated and safeguarded.
The call follows Amnesty’s documentation of human‑rights violations committed by state security officers during post‑election protests from October 29 to November 3. During that period, the government imposed a nationwide internet shutdown, which hampered monitoring and reporting of the abuses and obstructed access to information—a fundamental right.
Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Director for East and Southern Africa, emphasized that police must refrain from using unnecessary and excessive force against protesters. She also stressed that blanket internet shutdowns violate the right to information and hinder the reporting of human‑rights abuses.
The Tanzanian authorities are expected to conduct an independent, thorough, and impartial investigation into the alleged violations by state security officers during the post‑election unrest. Those suspected of responsibility should be held accountable in fair proceedings.
The upcoming protests are a response to the violent events that unfolded after the October 29 elections, during which security forces were reported to have committed unlawful killings and enforced disappearances. The international community is watching closely, urging the Tanzanian government to uphold its commitment to protecting human rights and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
As the protests approach, authorities must prioritize the protection of human rights and the safety of all individuals involved. The outcome of these demonstrations will be crucial in determining the future of human rights in Tanzania.
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