UN urges Samia Suluhu’s govt to probe killings after Tanzania’s chaotic election
By Kenneth Mwenda, November 11, 2025United Nations Human Rights Chief Volker Turk has urged President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government to launch an immediate investigation into reports of killings and other human rights violations that followed Tanzania’s October 29 general election.
In a press release on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Türk said the UN Human Rights Office had received credible information from various sources in Tanzania indicating that hundreds of protesters and civilians were killed, while many others were injured or detained.
However, the office has been unable to verify the exact number of casualties due to the tense security situation and an internet shutdown imposed after the polls.
Türk said families are going through painful experiences trying to locate missing relatives.
“Reports of families desperately searching everywhere for their loved ones, visiting one police station after another and one hospital after another, are harrowing,” Turk said.
“I strongly urge the Tanzanian authorities to provide information about the fate and whereabouts of all those missing and to hand over the bodies of those killed to their loved ones so that they can be given dignified burials.”
Türk expressed concern over reports that security forces have been seen removing bodies from streets and hospitals and taking them to undisclosed places, possibly to hide evidence.
“There are also disturbing reports that security forces have been seen removing bodies from streets and hospitals and taking them to undisclosed locations in an apparent attempt to conceal evidence.”
He urged the government to investigate the claims fully and transparently and to bring those responsible to justice.
UN calls for accountability
The UN Human Rights Chief also renewed his call for the immediate and unconditional release of opposition figures arrested before and after the election, including Chadema leader Tundu Lissu. According to the press release, reports indicate that over 150 people have been arrested since the vote, with some, including minors, reportedly facing treason charges.
“It is essential that all those arrested or detained on criminal charges are promptly presented before a judicial officer and can effectively contest the lawfulness of their detention. All those detained must be afforded the full range of due process rights guaranteed under international human rights law.”
The UN has urged President Samia’s administration to demonstrate its commitment to human rights by allowing independent investigations and ensuring that victims and their families receive justice.
The African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) also raised concerns over the credibility of Tanzania’s October 29 elections, citing widespread irregularities. In its preliminary statement, the mission reported that some voters were issued multiple ballots, proper verification procedures were ignored, and ballot-stuffing incidents occurred at several polling stations.
Led by former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi, the AU observers noted that opposition parties faced significant hurdles, including arrests and disqualifications of candidates, and the main opposition party, CHADEMA, boycotted the polls. The mission said these issues, combined with an internet shutdown on election day, undermined the integrity of the vote and highlighted the need for urgent electoral reforms.