HRW urges Tanzania to release detained opposition ahead of independence day
Human Rights Watch urges Tanzania to free detained opposition supporters and activists ahead independence day, end online censorship, and widen the post-election violence inquiry for accountability.
The Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged the Tanzanian government to immediately release opposition supporters and activists who have been detained ahead of the country’s Independence Day celebrations on Tuesday, amid reports of planned protests.
HRW’s statement followed instructions from authorities on Monday for Tanzanians to observe independence day from home, a measure officials said was intended to balance national celebrations with public order amid social media calls for protests.
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The rights group said authorities targeted activists and opposition party members in the lead-up to planned demonstrations against police use of lethal force following the controversial general elections held on October 29.
Detained
HRW added that since mid-November, at least 10 people—including teachers, hospital workers, union leaders, and Chadema party members—have been detained, often without charge. Several were reportedly abducted by individuals in civilian clothing before police confirmed their arrests.
Those detained include Ambrose Leonce Dede, accused of organising protests via WhatsApp; Kibaba Furaha Michael, a hospital worker and union administrator; and Clemence Mwandambo, a teacher charged with posting "provocative" messages online.
Chadema members Victoria Swebe and Shabani Mabala were also reportedly abducted or held without explanation.
“The Tanzanian government is building on the alarming climate of fear that prevailed prior to the elections to deter further protests,” said Oryem Nyeko, senior Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch.
“The authorities should end their crackdown and respect the right of Tanzanians to peacefully express their views.”
HRW also noted that Tanzanian authorities have intensified monitoring of online activity and communications.
Removed posts
According to the group, police raided the offices of the Legal and Human Rights Centre, while tech companies such as Meta removed posts at the request of the Communications Regulatory Authority, including messages calling for peaceful protests.
“On November 28, the United States embassy in Dar es Salaam issued a statement warning US citizens that ‘security forces have searched electronics for evidence of connection to unrest or politically sensitive content,’” said HRW.
Human Rights Watch further criticised the post-election violence inquiry launched by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, noting that the commission’s current mandate is too narrow and risks lacking impartiality.
The rights group urged Tanzanian authorities to expand the investigation to hold accountable anyone responsible for election-related violence, including killings and attacks by security forces or unidentified actors, and to ensure that opposition representatives and civil society are included in the process.
“It’s vitally important at this critical time for the Tanzanian authorities to focus on ensuring justice and accountability for the many serious rights violations following the elections,” Nyeko said.
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