12 June 2025 – Johannesburg, South Africa
The Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC) is deeply concerned by the alarming trend of harassment, intimidation, and criminalisation of human rights defenders in Tanzania. These patterns represent an entrenched and escalating crackdown on fundamental civic freedoms, particularly targeting those working to advance democratic and political rights.
Tanzania has a troubling history of suppressing political dissent and curtailing civil liberties, with excessive government control over civil society, media, and political expression. President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s ascent to power in March 2021, following the passing of former President Magufuli, raised hopes for more open and democratic governance in Tanzania. However, as the current administration approaches its first general elections in October 2025, the Tanzanian authorities seem to be brutally and systematically closing down civic and political space instead.
In recent weeks, Tanzanian authorities have intensified their use of arbitrary arrests and public incitement against individuals and organisations advocating for equality and non-discrimination. This has fostered a climate of fear and reprisals, undermining civil society’s ability to operate safely and effectively.
In response, SALC’s Civic Rights Programme Manager has submitted urgent communications to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) and relevant United Nations special procedures under the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR). The submissions are follow-ups and updates to previous communications submitted by our partner organisations on the general crackdown reported in September 2024 and on the unlawful arrest and prosecution of opposition leader Mr. Tundu Lissu submitted in May 2025.
SALC urges prompt action to stop the violations and to hold Tanzania accountable for breaching its regional and international obligations. SALC also emphasises the importance of proactive measures by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states to ensure that repression in one state does not spread into a broader regional trend.
This moment demands more than mere concern and solidarity; it necessitates action. During this critical time, the role of regional bodies, peer governments, and international institutions becomes increasingly vital. A coordinated response must be provided to defend civic freedoms and protect those who advocate for justice, equality, and human rights.
SALC urges SADC and African Union member states to uphold their human rights commitments by demanding accountability from the Tanzanian government. Continued impunity for such violations will only embolden further repression. The Tanzanian government’s escalating crackdown on perceived opponents, including opposition political parties, activists, journalists, lawyers, and human rights defenders, threatens democratic governance and human rights in the country.
This situation necessitates urgent international attention to prevent further deterioration of political and civic space and gross human rights violations ahead of the October 2025 elections. We call on partners across civil society, media, and the international community to echo this demand and support human rights defenders at risk. The struggle for justice and dignity must be met with unwavering resolve.
For media enquiries, contact:
enquiries@salc.org.za
