UN Human Rights urges Tanzania to avoid force during Independence Day protests
By Kenneth Mwenda, December 8, 2025The UN Human Rights Office has called on Tanzanian authorities to respect the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association ahead of Independence Day demonstrations on December 9.
The office reminded the government to ensure that security forces plan their operations in a way that allows citizens to exercise these fundamental rights safely.
According to the UN Human Rights, hundreds of people were reportedly killed and over 2,000 detained by security forces following protests after Tanzania’s general elections on October 29. Since then, the government has intensified a crackdown on opposition figures, civil society actors, and academics.
Reports indicate that arrests have continued, sometimes carried out by unidentified armed personnel. On December 3, Tanzanian police issued a nationwide ban on all Independence Day protests. The UN Human Rights Office criticised the step as overbroad and disproportionate and called for its immediate lifting.
“Security forces must refrain from using force to disperse non-violent assemblies and make every effort to de-escalate tensions,” the UN statement said. It also recalled that, under international law, any use of force, including less lethal weapons, must be limited to the minimum necessary.
Firearms should only be used as a last resort to counter an imminent threat of death or serious injury. The UN reminded commanders that they are responsible for taking measures in advance to ensure respect for these principles.
Since mid-November, authorities have increased security deployments in urban centres, issued warnings to businesses, restricted fuel sales, and expanded surveillance of digital communications. The UN said these measures risk inflaming public tension and undermine the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and participation in public affairs.
The human rights office also highlighted that five weeks after the election, the government has not disclosed information on the number of people killed or the circumstances of their deaths, nor on reports of enforced disappearances. The continued absence of transparent information risks further eroding public trust at a critical moment.
The UN called for the immediate and unconditional release of all those arbitrarily detained. It noted that the government has set up an investigation into post-election violence, but stressed that such a probe must fully meet international standards of independence, impartiality, thoroughness, promptness, and transparency.
Authorities must also ensure protection against reprisals, intimidation, or arbitrary detention for anyone cooperating with the investigation.
Tanzania orders citizens home
The appeal comes as Tanzania’s government has asked citizens to stay at home on Independence Day, a departure from the usual public celebrations. The government has cited security concerns and warned that organisers of planned demonstrations aim to disrupt public order.
Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba delivered the message on Monday, December 8, 2025, while conveying President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s holiday greetings. He said the government advises Tanzanians who do not have urgent duties to use the day for rest and mark the holiday from their homes.
Only workers required at their stations should report to duty, following instructions from their supervisors.
“Ndugu wananchi, Rais wa Jamhuri wa Muungano wa Tanzania, Mweshimiwa Dr. Samia Suluhu, anapenda kuwatakia wananchi wote heri ya siku kuu, ya uhuru wa Tanzania Bara inayoadhimishwa kila mwaka tarehe tisa December,” he said.
“Aidha, serikali inawashauri wananchi wote ambao tarehe tisa Disemba 2025, hawatakuwa na dharura kuitumia siku hiyo kwa mapumziko. Hivyo kusherehekea siku hiyo wakiwa nyumbani.”
“Isipokuwa kwa wale ambao majukumu yao ya kazi yanawataka kuwepo katika vituo vyao vya kazi. Kama ambavyo wataelekezwa na viongozi wao. “Asanteni, nawatakia siku kuu njema,” he said.
The UN Human Rights Office emphasised that even under heightened security conditions, authorities must respect citizens’ fundamental rights. It urged the government to avoid unnecessary use of force and to ensure that any measures taken do not violate international human rights obligations.
Independence Day, which marks Tanganyika’s freedom from British rule in 1961, remains a major national holiday. On November 24, the government cancelled this year’s Independence Day celebrations and said the money set aside for the event would be used to repair infrastructure damaged during the post-election riots on 29 October.