Tanzania Addresses International Concerns Over Post-Election Violence

Tanzania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on December 5 responding to criticisms from Western embassies, the UN Human Rights Council, and others about violence, arrests, and rights restrictions following the October 29 presidential and parliamentary elections. A joint statement from 17 missions cited credible reports of extrajudicial killings and arbitrary detentions, urging the release of bodies to families, freedom for political prisoners, and an independent inquiry. The U.S. announced a review of ties, while Tanzania highlighted its Commission of Inquiry and commitment to national mechanisms amid looming December 9 protests deemed unlawful by police.