In a rare joint statement issued today, September 10, the European Union (EU) and its ambassadors in Tanzania have expressed their profound disappointment and concern over the alarming rise in violent incidents across the country. The EU has called on the Tanzanian government to immediately initiate thorough investigations to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the ongoing atrocities.
The official statement, released by the EU delegation in collaboration with the embassies of Canada, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, highlighted the distressing nature of recent reports involving human rights abuses, disappearances, and the deaths of political and human rights activists.
“The European Union, in agreement with the embassies of its member states in Tanzania, as well as the embassies of Canada, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, is deeply dismayed by the recent reports of violence, disappearances, and the deaths of political and human rights activists,” the statement read. “We call for an urgent and thorough investigation into these incidents and express our condolences to all the affected families.”
The EU also emphasized the need for the Tanzanian government to safeguard the opposition, as previously committed by President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan under her “4R” initiative, which aims to foster reconciliation, reform, rebuilding trust, and respect for human rights. The delegation urged the authorities to ensure the protection of fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, which are pillars of any democratic society.
“We welcome the President's call for an immediate investigation to identify the perpetrators and ensure accountability,” the statement continued, underscoring the urgency for action.
The EU noted with deep concern that the recent wave of violence threatens Tanzania's democratic foundations and the basic rights of its citizens. The statement also underlined Tanzania’s longstanding reputation for peace and stability on the global stage, stressing the need for concerted efforts to preserve this legacy.
“These recent events pose a serious threat to the democratic principles and the fundamental rights of Tanzanians in a country that has long been admired internationally for its peace and stability. We join the call for the protection of Tanzania’s peace and stability,” the EU concluded.
This strong and united stance from the EU and other diplomatic missions highlights the growing international concern over the Tanzanian government’s handling of human rights issues, and it marks a significant moment in the international community’s engagement with Tanzania’s internal affairs.
The coming days will determine how the government responds to these calls for action, with observers closely watching whether President Samia’s administration will take tangible steps to address the situation or if tensions will continue to escalate in the politically sensitive environment.