Tanzania: Summary of Key Events - December 05, 2025

[JF Summary]

16 Embassies call on Tanzania to release political prisoners, stop abductions, and return bodies of the killed​

Embassies of 16 countries, together with the European Union Delegation, have issued a statement expressing deep sorrow and concern following the deaths, injuries, and allegations of serious human rights violations reported during and after the General Election of October 29 in Tanzania.

In their joint statement issued on December 5, 2025, the embassies of the United Kingdom, Canada, Norway, Switzerland, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, and Sweden, along with the European Union, have called for an independent, transparent, and inclusive investigation. These countries also urged authorities to hand over the bodies of those who lost their lives to their families as soon as possible, release all political prisoners, and ensure that those detained receive legal assistance and medical treatment.

Citizens' Opinions:
Many have said that remarks made by President Samia during her meeting with elders prompted these embassies to issue the statement. After Samia asked, "Who Are You?" in a mocking manner, they have decided to come and introduce themselves, and indications suggest they will not stop at mere greetings. Citizens say that if deliberate measures are not taken to improve diplomatic relations, the country is heading towards a major economic decline.

Others have commended the statement, saying external pressure has significant power to ensure all those involved in human rights violations during the election are held accountable, because Tanzania still relies heavily on foreign aid, and losing it would mean severe economic consequences.

Police ban demonstrations for December 9, 2025​

The Police Force in Tanzania has banned demonstrations claimed to be 'peaceful and unlimited' planned to start from December 9, stating that they do not meet legal requirements and show indicators of criminal plans that could endanger national security.

In a statement issued on December 5 by Police Spokesperson DCP David Misime, the force stated it has not received any written notice as required by the Police Force and Auxiliary Services Act Chapter 322. Their investigation reportedly revealed a pattern of tactics allegedly being mobilized online, including calls to use weapons, halt normal activities, burn communication towers, block roads and borders, loot property, obstruct hospital services, and issue security threats. The Police stated that these indicators show a likelihood of a breach of peace affecting citizens' lives, the economy, and critical national infrastructure.

Citizens' Opinions:
Many have expressed anger and exhaustion with the excessive use of force and threatening statements, saying the Government has been blocking protests even when people want to express themselves peacefully. They also argue that labeling the demonstrations a "Criminal Plan" without providing sufficient evidence undermines public trust and appears to be a tactic to silence citizens' voices.

Others have said they do not recognize the ban, as the Police are meant to be notified to be aware of proceedings and to provide security for citizens, not to stop demonstrations, and that they will come out to protest on December 9 as planned.

Additionally, others have challenged the Police Force to form its own political party if it continues to execute its duties with a political bias favoring the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), rather than upholding the law and remaining neutral.

Sweden: We will suspend development cooperation with Tanzania; reasons unrelated to recent events​

The Government of Sweden, through its embassy in Tanzania, has announced that it will suspend its development cooperation with Tanzania by August 31, 2026. Although existing cooperation will continue until that time, Sweden explained that this decision stems from changes in its international policy priorities, new security challenges, and the Swedish Government's new development strategy.

However, Sweden emphasized that the suspension of this cooperation is not related to the election or to recent events in the country.

Citizens' Opinions:
Many view the step taken by Sweden as likely the result of recent events in the country, as well as President Samia's speech during the meeting with elders. They added that if deliberate and immediate efforts are not taken to salvage diplomatic relations, the country is heading into a difficult economic period if other nations continue to suspend aid and cooperation with Tanzania.

Conversely, some say the suspension of loans and cooperation with other countries should continue, as this may be the only way to restore the rule of law and accountability, and to end human rights violations.

Chalamila: We will take legal action regarding Fr. Kitima's allegations against TANESCO. On Polepole, the Police will continue to investigate​

Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Albert Chalamila, has stated that his office, in collaboration with TANESCO, will not remain silent following statements by the Secretary General of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), Fr. Charles Kitima, that the incident of his home invasion involved a power cut by TANESCO, noting that these are serious allegations requiring thorough investigation.

Speaking at the Launch of Smart Electricity Meters on December 5, Chalamila said he heard Kitima alleging a "Conspiracy" between the invaders and TANESCO. He spoke with the Company’s Director General, Lazaro Twange, and they agreed to work on the matter, as it concerns the Company’s image. He insisted that the organization cannot be associated with cutting power with the intent to harm a citizen, so it is important to get further clarification from Kitima, noting that lawyers have already been instructed to take appropriate action.

Chalamila also urged citizens to continue trusting the Government and let the Police continue their investigation into the disappearance of the former Tanzanian Ambassador to Cuba, Humphrey Polepole, saying he has no detailed information on the matter as he only learned of it through social media reports. Speaking at a meeting with media editors in Dar es Salaam, Chalamila said he cannot visit everyone with problems, as the region faces many challenges, and emphasized that there is no procedure for ambassadors to report to the Regional Commissioner upon returning to the country.

He explained that Police investigations need time due to the nature of the incident, while strongly condemning events alleged to increase hatred in society, such as abductions, unemployment, misuse of public resources, and excessive use of force. Furthermore, Chalamila said that people traveling outside Dar es Salaam is a regular occurrence that should not be linked to other issues, warning that fear is a disaster that the country's enemies can exploit.

Citizens' Opinions:
Regarding the Kitima issue, many question why there are no Police answers yet, prompting Chalamila and TANESCO to want to start a fresh investigation. They say this demonstrates that these incidents of people being attacked or abducted are not taken with the seriousness deserved to seek justice and accountability, but are merely a charade to show they are working because they are the main actors, and cannot investigate or take action against themselves.

Regarding the investigation into Polepole's disappearance, many have shown hopelessness about him being found alive, given the history of such events, where very few have been found alive after being abducted. They continue to direct blame at the Government and Police for their involvement in these events, claiming that is why no one has been arrested in connection with them.

UN calls on Tanzania to lift ban on Protests planned for December 9​

The United Nations (UN) has called on the Government of Tanzania to respect the fundamental rights of citizens ahead of demonstrations expected on Independence Day, December 9. The Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Seif Magango, urged security forces to plan and execute operations in a way that enables citizens to exercise their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

Magango emphasized that measures to ban protests violate human rights and should be removed, noting that firearms should not be used to control protests except as a last resort against an imminent threat of death or serious injury. The UN stressed the responsibility of security force commanders to ensure these principles are respected, urging that Tanzania's Independence Day be celebrated with freedom, not suppression.

Regarding the Commission of Inquiry into events during and after the election, Magango noted that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has reminded authorities that the investigation must follow international standards of independence, impartiality, thoroughness, promptness, and transparency, and also ensure protection for all who cooperate so they do not face retaliation.

Citizens' Opinions:
Many feel this statement has no power over the Government of Tanzania, given how it has responded to the international community when they advised or issued reports on events during the election. Some feel that this time, even greater harm may occur because the Government and the President have shown they are determined to stick to their decisions.

Tanzania responds to statements by Governments and International Organizations regarding events during and after the election​

The Government has stated it has received and followed various statements issued by some nations and development partners regarding the violence that occurred after the general election of October 29, 2025.

It explained that it received these statements with concern, especially given the open discussions held on November 28 between the Minister of Foreign Affairs and diplomats, during which their statements appear not to fully consider the Government's steps, including the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry into the post-election violence. The Government emphasized that the findings of that commission will increase understanding of what happened and form the basis for future positive dialogue, while calling on stakeholders to allow internal systems to continue implementing the measures taken.

Furthermore, the Government assured the international community and development partners of its readiness and commitment to continue cooperation on all matters of mutual interest, on an equal and respectful basis.

Citizens' Opinions:
Many have mocked this statement, asking where the arrogance shown when asking the Government and partners "Who are you?" has disappeared to. They say the Government should not apologize or humble itself, but should continue being arrogant and see how the country's economy will collapse.

Others have said the Government's clarifications increase citizens' anger and may cause more chaos in the future due to failing to acknowledge the killings, but also continuing to describe the Commission of Inquiry as independent and reliable for resolving the friction between it and the citizens, while knowing full well it is not trusted.