Tanzania has rejected recent allegations from United Nations experts and human rights groups accusing the government of increasing repression ahead of the country’s general elections in October 2025.
Speaking at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Tanzania’s Permanent Representative Dr. Abdallah Possi described the claims as “erroneous, misleading and misconstrued,” reaffirming the government’s commitment to constitutional rights and democratic principles.
The response follows concerns raised by the UN and regional human rights organizations about reported media censorship, police brutality, and enforced disappearances. UN experts cited over 200 cases of disappearances since 2019, along with recent incidents involving foreign activists allegedly abducted in Arusha while showing support for detained opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
Lissu, who faces treason charges, remains in custody, while his political party, Chadema, has been disqualified from participating in the upcoming vote after questioning the impartiality of the electoral commission.
Although the government insists it is upholding the rule of law and multiparty democracy, rights advocates say the political environment is increasingly restricted, raising concerns about fairness and transparency in the electoral process.