On the post-election killings and the deteriorating human rights situation in Tanzania, including the case of imprisoned opposition leader Tundu Lissu

B100515/2025

European Parliament resolution on the post-election killings and the deteriorating human rights situation in Tanzania, including the case of imprisoned opposition leader Tundu Lissu

(2025/2990(RSP))

The European Parliament,

having regard to Rules 150(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

whereas on 29 October President Samia Suluhu Hassan ran for her second term in the Tanzanian elections and was elected with an apparent 97.66 percent of the vote;

whereas the African Union Election Observation Mission strongly criticised the conduct of the presidential election;

whereas opposition figures were disqualified from taking part in the election, including Tundu Lissu, leader of Chadema, the main opposition party; whereas he was arrested on 9 April 2025 and later charged with treason, along with three offences of publication of false information under cybercrime laws; whereas he still remains in custody; whereas Luhaga Mpina from ACT Wazalendo opposition party, was also disqualified in September 2025;

whereas the post-electoral period has been marked by massive protests in many major cities;

whereas on the election day, authorities responded to the protests with lethal force, tear gas, and other weapons; whereas numerous sources reported multiple cases of abductions and extrajudicial killings of protesters and opposition figures and activists have been documented, as well as restrictions on freedom of movement and peaceful assembly;

whereas the Tanzanian authorities have resorted to a nationwide internet blockade for six days; whereas reports suggests that during the internet shutdown, the authorities committed grave human rights violations,

Urges the Tanzanian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all opposition figures arrested, including Chadema leader Tundu Lissu, and all other individuals who have been arbitrarily detained and to guarantee their safety and physical integrity;

Strongly condemns violent crackdowns, killings and police abuses surrounding the recent elections in Tanzania, targeting peaceful protesters, opposition members and government critics;

Urges Tanzanian authorities to end any form of violence, arbitrary arrests of opposition members, human and LGBTQI+ rights defenders, journalists and civil society organisations, to uphold the rule of law, freedom of expression, press, media and association, and judicial independence, to respect the rights of political parties to organise, facilitate peaceful assembly, to refrain from any further internet shutdowns in violation of the right to information; including by ensuring unrestricted access for independent media;

Urges the Tanzanian authorities to ensure prompt and impartial investigations into the post-electoral killings and violence, the disappearances of government critics and opposition supporters reported missing; with a view to ensuring accountability for those responsible;

Calls on the European Commission to review assistance to Tanzania in light of the ongoing crackdown by national authorities, and prioritise support to non-governmental organisations, human rights defenders and journalists;

Urges the EU and its Member States to critically engage with the Tanzanian authorities at the highest level regarding the post-electoral human rights violations, to closely monitor the relevant trials; urges Tanzania to establish a moratorium on executions and take steps towards the abolition of the death penalty; and to engage in inclusive political dialogue with the opposition;

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the

HR/VP, the Member States, the African Union, the UN, the Government and

Parliament of Tanzania.