DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — Pressure intensified on Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Tuesday after the United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee called for an independent investigation into alleged human rights violations committed during and after the country’s October 29 General Elections.
The call followed a CNN investigation by Kenyan journalist Larry Madowo, which detailed claims of mass graves, lethal force against protesters, and widespread state suppression.
In a strongly worded statement, the committee described the reported actions of Tanzanian security forces as an “unacceptable attempt to cover up gross violations of human rights,” criticising the government’s rejection of casualty figures published by international media.
“This report underscores the disturbing actions by the Tanzanian Government to suppress protestors. Evidence of mass graves shows an unacceptable attempt to cover up gross violations of human rights,” the committee said, insisting that an independent inquiry must be launched urgently.
The senators added that international concern was growing over fears that the scale of violence had been significantly underreported.
The allegations stem from the disputed re-election of President Suluhu, who was declared the winner with 98pc of the vote in a poll that drew immediate scrutiny from observers and opposition groups.
Protests broke out across several regions as Tanzanians questioned the credibility of the process, prompting a heavy-handed response from security agencies.
CNN’s open-source investigation reported the use of live ammunition against demonstrators and claimed that morgues were overwhelmed with bodies, some of whom allegedly died after being denied medical attention.
Because foreign journalists were reportedly barred from entering the country during the election period, CNN relied heavily on satellite imagery, drone footage, and verified videos to reconstruct unfolding events.
Imagery from Kondo cemetery showed signs of freshly disturbed soil, triggering widespread suspicion of mass burials. Eyewitnesses recounted seeing bodies moved at night, while others told CNN that families had been unable to locate missing relatives, deepening the fear that official numbers did not reflect the true human toll.
Tanzania’s government has pushed back strongly against the revelations, accusing international broadcasters of running an unbalanced narrative. Government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa faulted foreign outlets for using images circulating on social media without verifying them or seeking the state’s response.
“These outlets failed to seek out the government to hear the other side of the story. This was a very big mistake. The government calls on CNN to exercise ethics in airing their stories and avoid sharing stories without verified sources,” Msigwa said, adding that the administration was reviewing the allegations before issuing a detailed rebuttal.
Dar es Salaam officials have accused CNN and other international organisations of engaging in a smear campaign aimed at discrediting the government. They maintain that casualty figures shared by foreign media have been exaggerated and that some footage may have been taken out of context.
Despite this stance, the administration has faced increasing pressure to demonstrate transparency, particularly as domestic civil society groups, religious leaders, and human rights bodies continue to demand accountability.
The U.S. Senate committee’s intervention adds to a growing list of international actors urging Tanzania to allow an impartial investigation. Human rights organisations argue that only an independent inquiry—potentially involving regional or international bodies—can guarantee credibility, given the gravity of the claims and the restrictions on journalists and observers during the election period.
As President Suluhu’s government works to counter the mounting criticism, Tanzania faces a critical test of its human rights record and commitment to democratic principles.
The unfolding situation has placed the country under intense global scrutiny, with the next steps likely to shape both its domestic legitimacy and its international relations in the months ahead.
