Recent times have witnessed growing unrest and protests around the world, often fueled by people’s demands for justice and better governance. Sadly, these protests have sometimes resulted in tragedy, with lives lost and many arrested on severe charges. The United Nations (UN) has stepped forward, calling for thorough investigations into these events to ensure justice and protect human rights.
On November 11, 2025, the United Nations openly demanded a comprehensive investigation into the killing of numerous protesters in Tanzania during the recent disputed elections. UN Human Rights Chief, Volker Türk, expressed deep concern over what he described as “an apparent attempt by the government to conceal evidence” regarding the deaths of protesters.
Türk stressed the urgency of transparency and accountability, emphasizing the need for the authorities to release the bodies of the deceased to their families for proper funerals. “Reports of families desperately searching everywhere for their loved ones, visiting one police station after another and one hospital after another are harrowing,” he said.
The situation in Tanzania highlights the grim reality facing many countries where protests meet violent crackdowns. Following the October 29 elections, widespread demonstrations erupted, met by security forces with lethal force. The main opposition party, Chadema, has estimated that about 2,000 people were killed in just three days of protests.
While the government has not officially confirmed these numbers, the UN cites reports believing hundreds have died, though the exact death toll remains difficult to verify due to ongoing security concerns and an extended internet shutdown.
Adding to the tension, hundreds of protestors have been charged with treason. Among those targeted are key opposition figures and influential voices criticizing the government, such as preacher Josephat Gwajima, whose church was deregistered earlier this year after he spoke out against human rights abuses. Notably, opposition leader Tundu Lissu has been imprisoned for months and now faces treason charges due to his calls for electoral reforms.
The Catholic Church in Tanzania also condemned the killings, stating that “there would be no peace without justice,” underlining the urgent need for a transparent investigation to prevent further violence and human rights abuses.
