UK, Canada, 14 EU States call for independent probe into Tanzania poll unrest

The United Kingdom, Canada, Norway and 13 other European nations have issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over the aftermath of Tanzania’s recent elections, citing reports of deadly violence, disappearances and widespread rights violations.

In the statement - endorsed by the British and Canadian High Commissions, the Embassies of Norway, Switzerland, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, and the EU Delegation - the countries said they “deeply regret” the loss of lives and injuries reported in the post-election period.

They recalled earlier remarks by the EU High Representative on November 2, 2025, and a separate joint statement by the Foreign Ministers of Canada, Norway and the UK on October 31, reiterating concerns over the conduct of the polls and the ensuing crackdown.

Referencing “credible reports from domestic and international organisations,” the missions pointed to evidence of extrajudicial killings, disappearances, arbitrary arrests and the concealment of bodies.

“We recall the government's desire for peace and stability, and underline the importance of security forces acting with maximum restraint,” read the joint statement.

“We reiterate our call on the government to uphold their international commitments to protecting fundamental freedoms and the constitutional rights to access information and freedom of expression for all Tanzanians.”

They urged Tanzanian authorities to immediately release the bodies of those killed to their families, free all political prisoners, and ensure that detainees receive legal and medical support.

The statement also pressed the government to implement recommendations from the African Union (AU) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) preliminary election reports, which highlighted “clear shortcomings” in the electoral process.

“We welcome the government's recognition that understanding the root causes and circumstances of the violence including deaths is a vital step towards justice and reconciliation,” they cited.

“Any inquiry must be independent, transparent, and inclusive - bringing in civil society, faith-based groups, and all political actors.”

The joint statement comes after Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu delivered a stern message regarding the unrest witnessed in the country on election day, saying the events were orchestrated by foreign actors seeking to undermine the country’s long-standing peace and destabilize the nation’s governance.

In her address early this week, Samia said outsiders “have been irritated by Tanzania’s stability” and accused them of coming “to destroy this country after destroying their own.”

She emphasized that Tanzania has enjoyed peace for many years, a state of affairs that troubles those who wish to disrupt it.

The President extended condolences to families who lost loved ones during the violence, stressing that “when one Tanzanian sheds blood, we all feel the pain.”