NAIROBI, Kenya – A group of United Nations human rights experts has condemned what they describe as a “systematic and escalating crackdown” on dissent in Tanzania ahead of the country’s general elections set for October 2025.
In a statement, the independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council expressed grave concern over a pattern of enforced disappearances, torture, and political persecution under the administration of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
“We are gravely concerned by mounting reports of enforced disappearances and torture being used as instruments of repression,” the statement read. “This conduct constitutes serious violations of international human rights law and must cease immediately.”
The experts said they had documented over 200 cases of enforced disappearance in Tanzania since 2019—cases they say illustrate a growing climate of fear and repression.
Recent victims reportedly include prominent human rights defenders Boniface Mwangi and Aika Athumani Agather, who were abducted and tortured after criticizing the government and security forces.
Both were later released without charge, having been detained in undisclosed locations.
“These are not isolated incidents,” the UN experts said. “They reflect a broader, coordinated strategy to suppress opposition and circumvent the rule of law.”
🇺🇳 @UN UN Experts Condemn Tanzania’s Worsening Human Rights Crisis Ahead of 2025 Elections13. June 2025 – A group of United Nations human rights experts has raised urgent concerns over what they describe as a systematic and escalating campaign of repression under Tanzanian
Political Opposition Under Siege
The repression has intensified as President Suluhu Hassan seeks her first elected term, following her ascent to power in 2021 after the death of President John Magufuli.
Her administration now faces accusations of stifling democratic participation, particularly targeting opposition leader Tundu Lissu of the CHADEMA party.
Lissu, who previously survived an assassination attempt allegedly linked to state agents, has been arrested and charged with treason for calling for electoral reforms.
He is currently being held in a maximum-security facility, where his legal team has reportedly been denied regular access.
In a move widely condemned by human rights groups, the CHADEMA party has been barred from contesting the 2025 polls, effectively sidelining the government’s main challenger.
“The disqualification of CHADEMA and arbitrary detention of its leader represent a severe breach of democratic norms and electoral fairness,” the UN experts said.
Independent Media Silenced
The experts also sounded the alarm on a deteriorating environment for journalists and civil society.
Several independent media outlets, including Mwanahalisi and Tanzania Daima, have been shut down or heavily sanctioned for allegedly violating press regulations.
A number of journalists have reportedly gone into exile after receiving threats from state security forces.
“Curtailing press freedom and intimidating journalists and human rights defenders is unacceptable,” the experts said. “Free expression is not a threat to democracy—it is its foundation.”
Call for Global Action
The UN experts are calling on Tanzanian authorities to immediately end enforced disappearances, release all political prisoners, including Lissu, and guarantee a free and fair electoral process.
They also urge the government to provide reparations to victims of torture and ensure civil society and opposition parties are allowed to operate freely.
The statement concluded with an appeal to the international community to remain vigilant and pressure Tanzania to uphold its obligations under international law.
“The world must not remain silent as democratic space in Tanzania continues to shrink,” the experts warned.
