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

B100527/2025

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

(2025/2990(RSP))

The European Parliament,

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

– having regard to Article 14 and Article 21 of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania

A. whereas on 29 October 2025, following the street protests of Tanzanians against the re-election of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the government engaged in an unprecedented use of violence against opposition supporters and ordinary citizens;

B. whereas according to the United Nations (UN), many hundreds of people have been killed;

C. whereas Suluhu was declared the winner on 1 November 2025 with 98 % of the vote and an 88 % turnout; whereas the Southern African Development Community (SADC), however, reported that the election was marked by a “very low” turnout, “massive irregularities”, ballot stuffing, intimidation, and police brutality;

D. whereas the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party (CCM) had won the November 2024 elections by a landslide after barring opposition candidates; whereas leading opposition candidates like Chadema’s Tundu Lissu had been barred from the ballot; whereas Lissu was jailed and charged with treason for calling for electoral reforms;

E. whereas during 2021-2024 the EU supported Tanzania with EUR 107 million to improve governance;

1. Strongly condemns the Tanzanian government’s unprecedented violent crackdown against protestors and ordinary citizens;

2. Reaffirms the right of Tanzanians to peaceful protests under the Tanzanian constitution;

3. Notes that the chronic problem of corruption is one of the main structural roots of public discontent in Tanzania;

4. Notes that together with the weakening of the constraints on Tanzania’s executive, the security services have become increasingly politicised, with some reportedly implicated in abductions and the growing use of violence against political opponents;

5. Notes that EU funding to Tanzania in the field of governance, human rights, fight against corruption, electoral reforms and accountability have not led to any serious improvement; calls, therefore, on the Commission to overthink its strategy;

6. Notes that the EU-Parliament’s foreign affairs and development committee have formally objected to the disbursement of EU funds to Tanzania and that the Commission has confirmed that funds have been frozen;

7. Calls on the Tanzanian authorities to ensure that those responsible for the killings and disappearances are brought to justice;

8. Encourages CCM to hold talks with all of the opposition parties over their demands and to hold a dialogue leading to a constitutional review process and judicial and electoral reform; is of the opinion that the release of Tundu Lissu and other opposition leaders can give a boost to these talks;

9. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the European External Action Service, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the President, government and parliament of Tanzania, the SADC and the AU.