Human Rights Watch (HRW) called on the Tanzanian government on Wednesday to address the increasing human rights violations ahead of local elections in mainland Tanzania scheduled for November 27, 2024.
The country has recently witnessed several instances of arbitrarily arrested opposition supporters and the extrajudicial killing of at least eight government critics. HRW denounced the government for its extensive suppression of dissent, which included the detention of opposition figures, blocking access to social media, and shutting down independent media. Senior Africa researcher at HRW, Mr. Oryem Nyeko, recounted recent abduction cases and said, “The Tanzanian authorities have shown increasing intolerance for free speech by clamping down on their critics and the political opposition.” He advised the government to “urgently stem the tide of repression or risk escalating an already tense political environment.”
Widespread disappearance of government critics has been reported throughout the country, some including members of the main opposition party, CHADEMA. Among the cases in which the government has yet to effect arrests, Mohamed Ali Kibao’s case remains notable. Ali, member of the CHADEMA party was abducted on his way home and was found dead shortly after. HRW also reported that Tanzanian authorities have suppressed those raising concerns about these disappearances.
Additionally, the crackdown on critical media and journalistic activities became evident on October 2, 2024 when the government suspended the online license of Mwananchi Communications Ltd., a Tanzanian newspaper outlet. The outlet had published an animated video showing President Suluhu watching news reports about the abductions, which the government deemed harmful to national unity and social peace. Similarly, several journalists were arrested ahead of an International Youth Day celebration in August. A month later, several journalists, alongside prominent opposition leaders, were arrested in Dar es Salaam ahead of planned peaceful protests calling on the government to address the increasing abduction cases.
HRW linked the current situation to the pre-election climate ahead of the October 2020 general elections, concerning violations of freedoms of expression and association and other human rights. Despite initiating measures to respond to rights concerns after assuming the presidency, President Suluhu’s government has yet to investigate or prosecute anyone for those abuses, particularly in Zanzibar. In its press release the non-governmental organizations demands that the government take “urgent steps to uphold human rights”, including the implementation of investigations into the increasing cases of disappearances and abduction.
