GENEVA

UN human rights experts on Thursday condemned what they described as widespread and systematic violations in Tanzania following the Oct. 29 general elections, including allegations of hundreds of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and mass arbitrary detentions targeting protesters, opposition figures, and civil society.

"The Government must provide information on the fate and whereabouts of all disappeared persons and ensure the identification and dignified return of the remains to their families," the experts said in a statement. "All restrictions on media coverage must be lifted, as they are incompatible with Tanzania’s international obligations."

The experts said the elections took place amid long-standing concerns, including arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances of opposition figures and legislative changes that weakened the fairness of the electoral framework. Opposition leaders were barred or disqualified from running, and in some cases detained or forcibly disappeared before the vote, they noted.

Protests led largely by youth erupted after the election, met by what the experts described as the "immediate and lethal use of force" by security forces.

They cited reports that officers were ordered to "shoot to kill" during an enforced curfew. At least 700 people were allegedly killed, with some estimates suggesting thousands.

The experts highlighted disturbing accounts of bodies disappearing from morgues and allegations that remains were incinerated or buried in unidentified mass graves. Families who identified bodies were reportedly forced to sign false statements to retrieve them.

More than 1,700 detained protesters, opposition members, human rights defenders, and activists reportedly face serious charges such as treason and armed robbery, they said. The experts also expressed concern over the use of nolle prosequi powers, warning it could impede due process.

A complete internet shutdown from Oct. 29 to Nov. 3 severely hampered documentation of violations, they said, and was accompanied by reports of transnational repression and surveillance targeting rights groups in neighbouring countries.

The experts urged Tanzania to conduct a prompt, impartial, and effective investigation into all reported abuses, and said a newly announced commission of inquiry must be independent and ensure accountability, justice, and reparations.

Ahead of demonstrations planned for Dec. 9, they called on authorities to prevent further violations and protect the right to peaceful assembly. By Beyza Binnur Dönmez, Anadolu Agency