In a statement over the weekend, the Commission said it was alarmed by reports of widespread unrest and violent clashes between protesters and security forces, which have allegedly left hundreds dead and many more injured. However, the nationwide internet shutdown has made it difficult to verify the full extent of the casualties.
The Commission said that if these reports are accurate, they would represent “very grave violations” of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which Tanzania ratified in February 1984.
It called on the Government of Tanzania to ensure that all fundamental rights and freedoms are respected, particularly during the electoral period. Citing Resolution 331 on Elections in Africa, the Commission urged authorities to create an environment conducive to peaceful, free, fair and transparent elections, while investigating and prosecuting all human rights violations committed during the process.
The statement also recalled Resolution 281 on the Right to Peaceful Demonstrations, which condemns arbitrary arrests, detentions and the excessive use of force by law enforcement officials. The Commission urged Tanzanian authorities to refrain from arbitrary arrests and disproportionate use of force against demonstrators, stressing that peaceful protestors must be protected regardless of their political affiliation.
“The Commission condemns the reports of the deteriorating human rights situation in Tanzania and calls on the Government to prioritise de-escalating the prevailing situation,” it said. “Security forces must refrain from using disproportionate force against protestors, and urgent investigations into the reported abuses must be launched.”
The Commission further encouraged the Tanzanian Government to sign and ratify the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, which promotes democratic transitions through regular, free and transparent elections.
It concluded by reaffirming its commitment to continue monitoring the human rights situation in Tanzania closely.
–ChannelAfrica–
