Tanzanian Election
Call for Non-Recognition of Illegitimate Government, Transitional Justice, and Fresh Elections
6th November 2025
For Immediate Release
The undersigned African civil society organisations commend the African Union (AU) and the
Southern African Development Community (SADC) for their firm condemnation of the
fraudulent general elections and ensuing violence in the United Republic of Tanzania. We
applaud the regional bodies’ decisive stance as a vital affirmation of Africa’s collective
commitment to democratic governance, constitutionalism, and human rights.
We applaud the AU and SADC for standing with the people of Tanzania and for defending the
principles enshrined in the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance and the
SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections. By calling out the sham
election and the violence that followed, our continental institutions have demonstrated
leadership, integrity, and fortitude at a time when silence would have meant complicity.
The coalition expresses grave concern over reports of widespread electoral malpractice, the
killing of Tanzanian citizens, intimidation of opposition candidates, arbitrary arrests, and the
violent suppression of peaceful protests following the 2025 general elections. According to
independent observers and credible media accounts, the Tanzanian authorities engaged in
serious violations of civil and political rights, effectively undermining the credibility of the
entire electoral process. These actions represent a flagrant breach of regional and
international democratic norms and principles. The AU and SADC have set an important
precedent by rejecting attempts to legitimise authoritarianism through rigged elections.
The legitimacy of governance in Africa cannot rest on fear and manipulation. The AU and
SADC have a historic opportunity to reaffirm that democracy—not dictatorship—remains the
cornerstone of Africa’s future. The coalition therefore urges both regional bodies to move
beyond condemnation and to take concrete steps to set Tanzania on a path towards a more
democratic order . Specifically, African civil society called on the AU and SADC to:
1. Withhold recognition of the government of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, whose
administration emerged from a discredited and violent electoral process that does not
reflect the will of the Tanzanian people;
2. Facilitate fresh, transparent, and inclusive elections under independent supervision to
ensure a genuine expression of the people’s choice; and
3. Demand an immediate end to violence and repression, including the release of political
prisoners, restoration of media freedoms, and protection of civic space.
The coalition of African civil society organisations further calls on African governments,
international partners, and human rights institutions to stand in solidarity with Tanzanian
citizens in their pursuit of justice and democracy. Upholding democratic norms across the
continent strengthens peace, prosperity, and people’s trust in regional institutions. This is
not just about Tanzania, it is about defending the soul of African democracy. When one
nation’s democracy is stolen, it weakens us all.
Signed by:
African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders
Centre for Human Rights University of Pretoria
Centre for Democracy and Human Rights
Centre for Strategic Litigation
Ditshwanelo – The Botswana Centre for Human Rights
International Commission of Jurists
LCK Freedom Foundation
Mozambican Human Rights Defenders Network
Public Interest Practice
Rivonia Circle
Southern African Litigation Centre
Tsunga Bamu Law International
Zimbabwe Human Rights Association
STATEMENT COMMENDING AU AND SADC FOR CONDEMNING TANZANIAN ELECTION 6.11.2025.docx
