Allegations of Mass Killings and Human Rights Abuses
African human rights groups have accused President Samia Suluhu’s government of orchestrating mass killings and committing widespread human rights abuses following post-election protests. These allegations suggest that over 3,000 people were killed, with thousands more reported missing. The groups also claim that mass graves are being dug in major cities across the country.
Security forces have reportedly carried out night raids, arbitrary arrests, and targeted shootings, including incidents involving children. Tanzanian courts have charged hundreds with treason, drawing criticism for the lack of legal representation provided to the accused and accusations of judicial overreach.
Details of the Allegations
The coalition of African civil society organizations has accused the Tanzanian government of overseeing a “state-engineered massacre.” According to their joint statement under the Jumuiya Ni Yetu movement and the Pan-African Solidarity Collective, over 40 human rights groups from across Africa described the situation as a crime against humanity.
They alleged that security forces systematically targeted civilians during the protests, particularly in major cities such as Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza, Mbeya, and Songwe. Witnesses reportedly described night raids, arbitrary arrests, and executions, claiming even children were not spared.
“Some have been brutally beaten on their doorsteps and then dragged away by police, whereas others were murdered in their very own homes. The youngest, who was shot and murdered, was a one-year-old. We’ve received information that mass graves are being dug in major towns across Tanzania… Many bore head and chest gunshot wounds, leaving no doubt these were targeted killings,” read the statement in part.
The groups also claimed that state agents were digging mass graves across several regions to conceal the scale of the killings. Families searching for loved ones were harassed, while hospitals treating the injured were placed under surveillance. Medical workers were reportedly pressured to stop treating gunshot victims.
“Doctors and nurses were being given orders to ‘maliza’ (kill) those who were in critical care from gunshot wounds. We believe that at least 2,000 missing bodies reported by families are among those being buried in these mass graves,” the groups claimed.
Response from Tanzanian Courts
The coalition called for urgent intervention from the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). They demanded an independent international investigation into the killings and an emergency Peace and Security Council meeting to address what they described as a growing humanitarian crisis.
The allegations came as Tanzanian courts charged hundreds of people with treason over the same election unrest. On Friday, November 7, prosecutors in Dar es Salaam arraigned at least 145 people accused of plotting to obstruct the 2025 general election and intimidating government officials. According to reports, those charged were alleged to have damaged public property and conspired to undermine the state.
None of the accused appeared to be public figures, and most reportedly lacked legal representation. Judicial sources claim that more than 240 people were charged in total, while human rights lawyers said the number could exceed 250. Attorney Peter Kibatala confirmed that the defendants faced two main counts: conspiracy to commit treason and treason itself.
Dispute Over the Election
Earlier, the main opposition party, CHADEMA, which was barred from the election, claimed the real death toll was over 1,000. The government dismissed those figures as exaggerated but has not released its own data. Religious leaders urged Suluhu to de-escalate tensions rather than pursue mass prosecutions.
The disputed election saw President Suluhu declared the winner with 98% of the vote after two leading opposition candidates were disqualified. Opposition leader Tundu Lissu was himself charged with treason in April, deepening claims that the electoral process was manipulated to block genuine competition.
The African Union’s observer mission later concluded that the vote was not credible, citing ballot box stuffing and intimidation.