The joint call, led by the United Kingdom and Germany, has added fresh international pressure on President Samia Suluhu’s administration.
According to the coalition—which includes the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Canada, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and the European Union—credible reports from observers show cases of extrajudicial killings, disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and families being denied access to the bodies of their loved ones.
In a statement released on Friday, December 5, the envoys said they had reviewed evidence from both local and international human rights monitors.
Based on this information, they urged Tanzanian authorities to release all bodies of those killed during the unrest, allow families to bury their relatives, and immediately free all individuals detained for political reasons.
They further stated that detainees must be granted legal representation and medical care without delay.
The coalition also emphasised that the Tanzanian government should take seriously the recommendations already documented by the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in their preliminary election assessment reports.
Both regional bodies flagged major weaknesses in the electoral process, pointing out gaps that could fuel further unrest if left unresolved.
The Western countries insisted that Tanzania needs an independent, transparent and inclusive investigation into the deadly violence witnessed during the October 29 demonstrations.
They stressed that accountability is necessary to rebuild public trust and reassure the international community.
Additionally, the statement reminded the Tanzanian government of its obligations to protect freedom of expression, access to information, and other constitutional rights.
The countries warned that continued violations could damage Tanzania’s global standing and strain diplomatic ties.
This development comes barely 24 hours after the United States announced that it was reviewing its entire relationship with Tanzania in response to the deaths reported during the recent protests.
The US said it was concerned by videos, eyewitness accounts and reports of excessive force used against civilians on election day.
With multiple global powers now demanding answers, Tanzania faces mounting pressure to address the allegations and demonstrate that it is committed to democratic principles and human rights.
