DAR ES SALAAM: Tanzania has dismissed statements from several Western governments and rights organisations regarding violence linked to the 2025 general election, arguing that the assessments omitted crucial facts and presented a partial narrative.
The government’s rebuttal targeted statements from Belgium, Norway, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Sweden and Switzerland, as well as from Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International.
Officials said the interventions selectively described events while failing to acknowledge evidence of organised attempts to disrupt the electoral process.
“We firmly reject the selective and unsubstantiated nature of those interventions, which misleadingly describe certain events while omitting reference to individuals and groups who openly called for disruption of the electoral process,” said Abdallah Possi, Tanzania’s permanent representative to the United Nations in Geneva, during a session of the Human Rights Council.
The government said incidents in parts of the country involved attacks on police stations, local government offices, public transport and private property. Officials described the disturbances as coordinated efforts to undermine the constitutional order rather than spontaneous protests.
“These were not isolated incidents but organised efforts to undermine the constitutional order,” Possi said, adding that the absence of clear condemnation of the violence was inconsistent with constructive dialogue.
He stressed that democratic rights must coexist with respect for the rule of law, arguing that attempts to obstruct lawful elections cannot be equated with legitimate political participation.
Tanzania’s post-election inquiry wins UN praise as rights body reviews global challenges
Tanzania maintains that safeguarding public order and constitutional stability is a sovereign responsibility. Officials said measures taken to prevent violence were consistent with the state’s duty to protect citizens and democratic institutions.
To address concerns and enhance transparency, the government established an independent commission of inquiry composed of international and domestic experts. The body is tasked with investigating incidents surrounding the election and recommending appropriate measures.
The commission’s findings are expected on April 3, 2026, following a brief extension. Officials said the report will inform reconciliation initiatives and potential institutional reforms.
“We remain confident that Tanzania will emerge from these processes stronger and more united, reaffirming that violence has no place in our political culture,” Possi said.
Western governments and rights organisations have previously expressed concern about political freedoms and electoral conditions in Tanzania. Authorities in Dar es Salaam argue that such assessments often overlook contextual factors and security challenges.
The dispute reflects wider tensions between African governments and international rights groups over governance and political processes, a recurring theme in diplomatic relations and human rights debates.
