DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — The foreign ministers of Canada, Norway, and the United Kingdom have expressed deep concern over reports of violence and human rights violations following Tanzania’s national elections held on October 28 and 29, urging authorities to uphold democratic principles and protect citizens’ rights.
In a joint statement released on Friday, the three governments said credible reports indicate multiple fatalities and injuries resulting from a security crackdown on protests that erupted after the polls.
“There are credible reports of a large number of fatalities and significant injuries as a result of the security response to protests, which began on 29 October,” the statement read.
The ministers called on Tanzanian authorities to exercise maximum restraint and safeguard fundamental freedoms, including the right of assembly and freedom of expression — principles enshrined in both Tanzanian law and international conventions.
“We urge the authorities to act with maximum restraint and respect the right of assembly and freedom of expression,” the ministers said, adding that these values are essential to any functioning democracy.
The joint communiqué also condemned what it described as harassment, abductions, and intimidation of opposition figures, journalists, and civil society actors in the run-up to the election.
“We remain concerned that the run-up to the elections was marked by harassment, abductions, and intimidation of opposition figures, journalists and civil society actors,” the statement noted.
Canada, Norway, and the UK reiterated their call for Tanzanian authorities to honour their international obligations under human rights treaties and ensure all citizens can engage in political life safely and freely.
The statement comes amid heightened tensions in Tanzania, where opposition parties have alleged electoral irregularities and excessive use of force by security agencies. The international community has been closely monitoring developments, with rights groups urging transparent investigations and accountability for abuses.
The Tanzanian government has yet to issue an official response to the concerns raised by the three countries
