The watchdog says it has documented a pattern of media censorship, the removal of articles critical of the government, and arbitrary arrests of opposition figures and activists. Civil society groups and journalists have also faced threats, creating a climate of fear.
Nomathamsanqa Masiko-Mpaka, Africa researcher at HRW in an interview said that violence and intimidation have worsened compared to the administration of former president John Magufuli. She argued that President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s early pledges of reconciliation have given way to continued crackdowns.
“Anyone who speaks out against the government is heavily penalised, and in some cases their lives are placed at risk,” she said, citing incidents of arbitrary arrests, abductions, disappearances and torture.
The organisation also criticised the credibility of the electoral commission, noting that commissioners are appointed directly by the president and their rulings cannot be contested in court. HRW says this arrangement erodes public trust in the process.
Masiko-Mpaka noted that citizens are increasingly vocal about political restrictions, with calls of “no reforms, no elections” emerging from community groups rather than opposition leaders.
HRW has urged Tanzanian authorities to end political violence, protect media freedoms and guarantee the independence of election institutions. It has also called on the African Union and East African Community to press the government to hold credible polls.
“Human rights must be safeguarded at all costs,” Masiko-Mpaka stressed. “The government needs to listen to its citizens ahead of these elections, and beyond.”
–ChannelAfrica–
