Tanzanian civil society groups decry killings, arrests following election protests
Among those killed were journalists Master Tindwa of Clouds Media, who was shot at his home in Temeke, and Kelvin Lameck Mwakangondya of Baraka FM, who was killed while on duty in Mbeya.
Tanzanian civil society organisations have condemned what they describe as grave human rights violations surrounding the 2025 general elections, including killings of civilians and journalists, arbitrary arrests, media repression, and an internet shutdown that lasted nearly a week.
According to the organisations, security forces used live ammunition and tear gas to disperse protesters, resulting in the deaths of several unarmed civilians and injuries to many others.
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Videos shared online after the restoration of internet access show disturbing scenes of police violence and reprisal attacks in various regions.
Among those killed were journalists Master Tindwa of Clouds Media, who was shot at his home in Temeke, and Kelvin Lameck Mwakangondya of Baraka FM, who was killed while on duty in Mbeya.
Two other journalists, Godfrey Thomas of Ayo TV and Alphonce Kusaga of Sunrise Radio, were arrested in Arusha, while an Azam Media journalist in Dar es Salaam was seriously injured.
Civil society organisations have also reported mass arrests of civilians, particularly young people, across regions, including Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Mbeya, Dodoma, and Kigoma.
In Kilimanjaro, 312 people were detained at Moshi Central Police Station, with 12 still being held without bail or access to court.
The groups noted that CHADEMA Deputy Chairperson John Heche remains detained without legal representation, describing the arrests as unlawful and contrary to Tanzania’s Constitution and international human rights treaties.
The organisations also criticised the six-day nationwide internet shutdown that began on October 29, saying it restricted access to information and prevented the public and journalists from monitoring election events and reporting on violations.
They reminded the government that access to the internet is a right protected under Article 18 of the Tanzanian Constitution and international conventions.
"The Internet has become a key means for individuals to exercise their right to freedom of opinion and expression, as stated in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The right to information is protected under Article 18 of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, as well as regional and international instruments to which Tanzania has ratified," they said.
"For six (6) consecutive days since 29th October 2025, authorities shut down internet access nationwide. This significantly restricted the free flow of information, monitoring of election processes, and reporting of human rights violations."
They urged the government to release all detainees, allow families to bury their loved ones, and permit an independent investigation into the killings.
They also called for accountability for those responsible for the violence and for the protection of freedom of expression, media independence, and reconciliation through dialogue among political, faith, and civic leaders.
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