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The Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC) is deeply concerned by the Tanzanian authorities’ escalating crackdown on freedom of expression and political dissent as the country approaches its 2025 general elections. Recent actions, including the suspension of media houses’ licences, the detention of political activists and opposition leaders, and the targeting of online political commentators, signal a troubling erosion of fundamental freedoms.

We are worried that these violations of freedom of expression restrict the ability of civil society and the media to monitor the upcoming elections and report on electoral and human rights abuses. Without a free press and a robust civic space, which includes opposition political parties, it will be challenging to ascertain whether Tanzania’s 2025 elections are genuinely free and fair.

These measures not only violate Tanzania’s own Constitution but also breach its obligations under international law. Tanzania is a State Party to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which enshrine the right to freedom of expression, association, and political participation. Such actions undermine these core principles and stifle democratic discourse. Tanzania’s Constitution guarantees, among other things, the right to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly and association, yet the authorities continue to restrict these rights, creating an extremely volatile situation for human rights defenders, opposition parties and journalists.

As an organisation dedicated to advancing human rights and the rule of law across Southern Africa, SALC actively participates in strategic litigation and advocacy to protect and promote the right to freedom of expression in the region, including Tanzania. SALC collaborates with local partners to challenge laws and practices that suppress dissent, such as restrictions on media freedom and the targeting of civil society. Our efforts aim to ensure that all citizens can express themselves freely and participate fully in the democratic process.

The current trends in the region are seriously threatening the integrity of the upcoming elections. We urge the Tanzanian government to halt these repressive actions immediately, restore the licenses of media outlets, release detained activists and opposition figures, and allow citizens to engage freely in political discourse without fear of reprisals. Tanzania’s commitment to human rights and democratic principles is critical not only to its stability but also to the broader democratic development of the region.

Freedom of expression should be a guide to a fairer and more democratic Africa. By recognising the significance of this right, African states can create fair and inclusive societies that respect the rights of all people. We call upon the African Union to closely monitor these developments and ensure that Tanzania upholds its obligations under regional and international human rights instruments.

Additionally, we urge the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to address these developments during its upcoming 81st Ordinary Session. We recognise the urgent need to protect freedom of expression and political rights in Tanzania as the election draws near.

The Southern Africa Litigation Centre remains dedicated to supporting all in Southern Africa in the fight for human rights, particularly in the face of growing repression. We continue to emphasise the need to ensure the right to freedom of expression is respected and protected. We call for the support of this freedom, as it is crucial for progress and positive change.