The governments of Canada, Norway, and the United Kingdom have jointly voiced deep concern over the deteriorating situation in Tanzania following the national elections held on October 28 and 29. In a strongly worded joint statement, the three nations condemned reports of violence and human rights violations that erupted after the polls.
According to the statement, credible reports have emerged indicating multiple fatalities and numerous injuries after security forces responded forcefully to protests that began on October 29. The unrest has raised fears of escalating political tension and repression in a country once seen as one of the region’s most stable democracies.
The foreign ministers of the three countries urged Tanzanian authorities to exercise maximum restraint and uphold the principles of democracy, particularly the freedoms of assembly and expression. They emphasized that citizens must be able to participate freely and safely in public life without intimidation or violence.
“We are deeply troubled by reports of the use of excessive force against protesters and opposition supporters. We call on the Government of Tanzania to ensure transparency, accountability, and respect for fundamental human rights,” the joint statement read in part.
The statement also called for a full investigation into the reported abuses and urged Tanzanian leaders to engage in open dialogue with all political stakeholders to restore calm.
This development has drawn global attention to Tanzania’s democratic credibility, with analysts warning that international confidence in the East African nation could erode if the government fails to act swiftly to address the alleged violations.
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, calling for peace, justice, and respect for human rights in Tanzania.
