The Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC) is seriously concerned about reports that Humphrey Polepole, the former Tanzanian Ambassador to Cuba and an outspoken critic of the government, has been forcibly taken from his home in Dar es Salaam. According to his family, Mr Polepole was taken by unknown individuals who broke into his house.
SALC notes that this incident follows a disturbing trend of intimidation, arbitrary arrests, abductions, and suppression of dissent specifically targeting the media, civil society, human rights defenders, opposition leaders and government critics in Tanzania. As the country moves closer to its 2025 elections, these developments are disturbing and undermine the right of freedom of expression, association, political participation and the rule of law as foundational principles guaranteed under Tanzania’s Constitution.
SALC’s Civic Rights Cluster Lead, Melusi Simelane, highlighted:
“Tanzania continues to raise eyebrows as it draws closer to the 29 October 2025 elections. Civil and political rights and the civic space are under attack, making it impossible for every Tanzanian to speak, organise, and participate freely. While the official opposition remains banned from participating in the coming elections, the abduction of Humphrey Polepole sends a chilling message that dissent is being silenced. When critics disappear and citizens live in fear, democracy itself disappears.”
Over the past year, SALC has documented increasing restrictions on the civic space in Tanzania, including media shutdowns and arbitrary harassment of activists. If Tanzania allows such acts of repression to continue unchecked, Tanzania’s standing in the region will suffer irreparable harm. It is time for Tanzanian leaders to choose transparency and fundamental freedoms over intimidation and repression to reaffirm the values that once represented a beacon of progress in East Africa.
The SADC Electoral Observer Mission (SEOM), the African Union (AU), the COMESA Electoral Observer Mission (AU-COMESA EOM), and all other observer missions must certify themselves that the elections in Tanzania, like anywhere else in Africa, are representative by allowing the official opposition to contest and also dropping the charges against Tundu Lissu, the leader of the opposition.
SALC calls on the government of Tanzania to reaffirm its commitment to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. In particular, SALC calls on the authorities to ensure that the rule of law and democratic principles are upheld in line with the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections. Specifically, SALC requests:
- The police authorities should allow for an independent investigation into the abduction of Mr Polepole.
- Tanzania commits to upholding fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression and assembly.
- Tanzania reconsiders its decision to ban the opposition from contesting the elections.