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

B100530/2025

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 European Parliament joint statement of 30 October 2025 on elections held on 29 October in Tanzania

having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 8 May 2025 on the arrest and risk of execution of Tundu Lissu, Chair of Chadema, the main opposition party in Tanzania (2025/2690(RSP))

having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 14 December 2023 on the Maasai Communities in Tanzania (2023/3024(RSP))

having regard to rule 150 of its Rules of Procedure,

A. Whereas on the 29th of October General elections were held in Tanzania; whereas in April 2025 the main opposition party CHADEMA was disqualified from the elections for refusing to sign the Electoral Code of Conduct; whereas the run-up to the elections was marked by harassment, abductions and intimidation of opposition figures, journalists whereas on the day of the vote protests and demonstration broke out in many parts of the country;

B. Whereas Tindu Lissu, the leader of the main opposition party CHADEMA was arrested on the 9th of April 2025 and consequently charged with “treason” and therefore disqualified from running against incumbent Samia Suluhu Hassan; whereas the accusation of treason carries a potential capital punishment; whereas Tindu Lissu remains the most credible challenger against the government led by the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party which has ruled Tanzania uninterruptedly since independence; whereas the candidate of the second largest opposition party Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT-Wazalendo), Luhaga Mpina, was also disqualified from running;

C. Whereas the opposition estimates that the death toll following the violent suppression of protesters runs in thousands; whereas the ruling CCM party has challenged this number; whereas several reliable reports by civic organisations and churches suggest large number of casualties and protesters who suffered serious injuries; whereas arbitrary arrests with unclear legal basis have continued;

1. Calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Tindu Lissu;

2. Calls on the Tanzanian government to immediately cease the repression and use of force, violence and extrajudicial measures against the opposition, protesters, civil society representatives, and church officials;

3. Urges the Tanzanian authorities to immediately cease the repression, arbitrary detention and killings of opposition leaders, journalists, and church leaders;

4. Calls on the Tanzanian government to release all individuals who have been arbitrarily detained during the protests in the wake of the General Elections;

5. Urges the Tanzanian authorities to swiftly ensure in good faith the full democratic participation and rights of the opposition parties and their leaders in the political life of the country through inclusive dialogue

6. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, and VP/HR of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Government, Parliament, and President of the United Republic of Tanzania