The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the escalating crackdown on opposition politicians, journalists, and civil society in Tanzania.
”This crackdown in Tanzania is particularly worrying ahead of the October 2025 general election.”
According to the report, over 200 cases of enforced disappearances have been recorded since 2019 in Tanzania, targeting youth leaders, opposition party members, and human rights defenders. Many victims have been subjected to torture, sexual violence, and extrajudicial detention.
”We express our grave concern regarding reports of broader repression, including at least one reported case of extrajudicial killing, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, degrading treatment or punishment in custody, as well as other alleged violations of the human rights of political opposition leaders and members,protesters, social activists, human rights defenders, and other dissidents and critical voices in Tanzania”
The report further raised alarm on the government’s move to restrict social media access and suspend some media outlets’ licenses, aiming to stifle dissent and limit press freedom.
”We are also concerned about the apparently arbitrary and unjustified restriction of the access to some social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter) which has reportedly been indefinitely blocked by the Government in a manner that does not seem to comply with the requirements of legality, necessity, proportionality required under article 19(3) International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)” added the report.
In the run-up to the general election, which is scheduled for 29th October 2025, Opposition leaders and supporters have faced harassment, intimidation, and arrest, creating a climate of fear and reprisal.
For instance, the opposition leader and CHADEMA chairperson was arrested and detained in April 2025 after criticizing the government’s electoral malpractices. He faces treason charges, which could result in the death penalty.
Also, Mpaluka Said Nyagali, a human rights activist and opposition party member who was abducted by armed individuals in May 2025, remains missing.
Several journalists have been arrested, and media outlets suspended, among them the JamiiForum outlet for criticizing the government or reporting on human rights issues.
To this end, the UN Human Rights Council has urged Tanzania to respect and end enforced disappearances, torture, and other human rights violations, and ensure a fair playing ground for all political players.
