Kenyan and international human rights organisations have issued a joint set of demands to President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government, calling for an immediate end to what they described as escalating repression in Tanzania following the October 29 general elections.
The groups, in a statement released on Friday, urged the administration to restore internet access, release detained opposition figures, and allow for an independent investigation into reported killings of protesters.
Among their key recommendations, the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) called on Tanzanian authorities to 'end indiscriminate police and military use of force against peaceful demonstrators' and guarantee constitutional rights of assembly and expression.
They further urged the African Union (AU) and East African Community (EAC) to refuse recognition of any election that fails to meet democratic standards.
“The African Union and East African Community have a clear responsibility; they must publicly reject any election which fails to meet basic democratic and human rights standards,” said Alice Mogwe, FIDH President.
At the same time, the groups also called for the restoration of full access to the internet and communications platforms to allow independent reporting and the free flow of information.
“Kenya cannot remain silent while our neighbour slides into authoritarianism. The EAC must not normalise election-related violence or tolerate leaders who weaponise state institutions to silence opposition,” stated KHRC Executive Director Davis Malombe.
Crackdown on Dissent
The appeals follow widespread unrest in Tanzania, where opposition leaders and civil society activists were reportedly detained during the ongoing heavy-handed security crackdown, even as the whereabouts of President Suluhu remain unknown.
Reports from rights monitors suggest that as many as thirty protesters may have been killed by police and army units deployed to disperse demonstrations in major cities, including Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Dodoma.
Kenyan Journalist Detained
According to reports, the Suluhu administration also imposed an internet and communications blackout on election day, silencing victims and preventing documentation of abuses.
Local and international journalists have since reported intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and censorship.
Among those detained is a Kenyan journalist, Shoka Juma, attached to Nyota TV, who was nabbed while allegedly crossing over to monitor civilian movements at the Lunga Lunga border point.
UN Demands
Meanwhile, the United Nations Human Rights Office also expressed concern over the escalating violence in Tanzania, saying it was alarmed by reports of deaths and injuries during election-related protests.
The agency noted that security forces had used firearms and teargas to disperse demonstrators, urging them to refrain from unnecessary use of force, including lethal weapons.
