United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has urged restraint and accountability in Tanzania after deadly protests erupted following the October 29 general election, leaving several people dead and prompting a nationwide curfew and internet restrictions.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, Guterres deplored the loss of life and extended condolences to the families of victims. He called for “a thorough and impartial investigation into all allegations of excessive use of force” and urged Tanzanian authorities to ensure transparency in handling the post-election unrest.
According to the UN human rights office (OHCHR), credible reports indicate that at least ten protesters were killed after security forces used firearms and tear gas to disperse demonstrators in cities including Dar es Salaam, Shinyanga and Morogoro.
OHCHR said internet access has been widely restricted since polling day and that a nationwide curfew remains in effect. It urged the government to restore communication services and uphold citizens’ rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly.
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“Curtailment of communication will only further undermine public trust in the electoral process,” the rights office said, adding that protesters should demonstrate peacefully.
The protests follow an election campaign marred by reports of arbitrary arrests and detentions of opposition figures, including leaders of the Chadema party, as well as alleged enforced disappearances of dissenting voices.
“All those in arbitrary detention must be immediately and unconditionally released,” OHCHR spokesperson Seif Magango told reporters in Geneva. “Those held legally must be accorded full due process and fair trial rights.”
He urged Tanzanian authorities to conduct prompt and impartial investigations into all election-related violence and bring those responsible to justice.
