The United Nations has urged the Tanzanian government to disclose a comprehensive report on the 2025 post-election violence. According to UN human rights experts, the report is crucial in ensuring that victims and their families receive justice and compensation. The violence, which occurred on October 29, 2025, resulted in widespread protests, internet shutdowns, and reports of excessive force by security agencies.
A total of 518 people were reported dead in 11 areas, although the actual number may be higher. The first investigative commission, established by President Samia Suluhu Hassan in November 2025, presented its report on April 23, 2026. However, the report was not fully published, and its summary did not identify individuals responsible for human rights abuses or recommend prosecution.
The UN experts expressed concern that a year after the violence, no government officials have been charged in connection with reported human rights abuses, including arbitrary killings, abductions, unlawful arrests, and torture. They emphasized that the investigation should be independent, prompt, thorough, and impartial to ensure that victims receive justice and compensation.
In August 2026, the government established a second investigative commission to probe the incidents. Led by retired Judge Shaban Ally Lila, the commission has started collecting evidence on individuals who planned, financed, coordinated, or participated in the violence. The commission's chairman announced on October 27 that the investigation had reached the stage of identifying those responsible.
The UN experts also raised concerns about alleged mass graves, the removal of bodies from mortuaries, and the prolonged detention of hundreds of people without trial. Some suspects face charges of treason and terrorism-related offenses. Additionally, the experts noted that families of victims, civil society groups, journalists, and activists are facing threats, surveillance, and restrictions on freedom of expression and participation in civic activities.
The post-election violence has raised questions about the accountability of security agencies, political freedom, and public trust in government institutions in Tanzania, which has been known for its political stability in East Africa. The UN experts stressed that the government's failure to disclose the report denies victims and their families the right to know the truth and obtain justice.
The situation in Tanzania highlights the need for the government to ensure accountability and transparency in its investigations into human rights abuses. The UN experts' call for the release of the report is a crucial step towards ensuring that those responsible are held accountable and that victims receive justice and compensation.
Key points
- The UN has urged the Tanzanian government to disclose a comprehensive report on the 2025 post-election violence.
- A year after the violence, no government officials have been charged in connection with reported human rights abuses.
- The government's failure to disclose the report denies victims and their families the right to know the truth and obtain justice.
