Arusha, Tanzania - November 6, 2025
The Democratic Solidarity Africa (DSA) notes with regret the completely illegal arrest and killing of innocent civilians following post-election violence. We express our deep concern and outrage over the violence, loss of life, and widespread human rights violations that have followed the October 29, 2025, presidential elections in Tanzania.
We strongly condemn the use of force against peaceful protesters, as well as the reported cases of arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly, and access to information.
Elections must serve as a peaceful expression of the people’s will — not a trigger for fear, repression, or bloodshed. We therefore call on the Government of Tanzania to:
- Protect civilians and ensure immediate medical access for the injured;
- Release without delay all individuals detained for political reasons;
- Restore public freedoms, including full access to the internet and media;
- Establish an independent and transparent investigation into the reported human rights abuses;
- Engage in an inclusive national dialogue aimed at reconciliation and the restoration of trust in democratic institutions.
We further urge the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union, and the international community to support impartial investigations and mediation efforts to ensure accountability and justice for the victims.
We stand in solidarity with the people of Tanzania and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the values of democracy, peace, human rights, and the rule of law across Africa. DSA, whose objective is to promote democracy and the rule of law, of which free and fair democratic elections are an essential condition, will not back down in its noble fight for a just and democratic society.
