The Southern Africa Litigation Centre joins the voices of African civil society in a growing call for Non-recognition of the government of Tanzania, amid democratically flawed elections. The civil society further calls for transitional justice and fresh elections under regional and continental supervision.
The African civil society organisations commend the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for their firm condemnation of the fraudulent general elections and ensuing violence in the United Republic of Tanzania. The CSOs applaud the regional bodies’ decisive stance as a vital affirmation of Africa’s collective commitment to democratic governance, constitutionalism, and human rights.
Specifically, the African civil society organisations call on the AU and SADC to:
- Withhold recognition of the government of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, whose administration emerged from a discredited and violent electoral process that does not reflect the will of the Tanzanian people;
- Facilitate fresh, transparent, and inclusive elections under independent supervision to ensure a genuine expression of the people’s choice; and
- Demand an immediate end to violence and repression, including the release of political prisoners, restoration of media freedoms, and protection of civic space.
The coalition of African civil society organisations further calls on African governments, international partners, and human rights institutions to stand in solidarity with Tanzanian citizens in their pursuit of justice and democracy. Upholding democratic norms across the continent strengthens peace, prosperity, and people’s trust in regional institutions. This is not just about Tanzania; it is about defending the soul of African democracy. When one nation’s democracy is stolen, it weakens us all.
Read full statement here: