15 European and allied missions released a joint statement urging President Samia Suluhu’s administration to release the bodies of protesters allegedly concealed after Tanzania’s October 29 elections.
The statement, issued on December 5, by the EU Delegation, the British High Commission, the Canadian High Commission, and several European embassies, referenced earlier reactions to the polls.
“We recall the statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union (2 November 2025) and the joint statement from the Foreign Ministers of Canada, Norway, and the United Kingdom (31 October 2025) on the elections in Tanzania,” read part of the statement.
The group expressed regret over casualties reported during the post-election period.
“We deeply regret the tragic loss of lives and numerous injuries in the wake of the elections,” the European powers noted.
The missions acknowledged the government’s stated desire for peace and stability but stressed that security forces must act with restraint.
In their statement, the European powers emphasised the importance of upholding international commitments to safeguard constitutional rights, including freedom of expression and access to information.
European Powers Ask For the Release of Dead Bodies
The diplomats cited findings from domestic and international organisations, stating there is credible evidence of “extrajudicial killings, disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and concealment of dead bodies.”
They called on authorities to release all bodies to families, free political prisoners, and ensure detainees receive legal and medical support.
Also Read: Blow to Suluhu as European Parliament Recommends Sanctions on Tanzania
“We call on the authorities to urgently release all the bodies of the dead to their families, to further release all political prisoners and allow detainees legal and medical support,” the statement read.
Additionally, the European Powers urged the government to address recommendations made in the AU and SADC preliminary election reports, which documented significant procedural shortcomings.
Further, the missions welcomed the government’s public recognition that understanding the causes of violence is essential for reconciliation.
They added that any investigation must be independent, transparent, and inclusive, with meaningful involvement from civil society, faith-based groups, and political actors. They noted that this is necessary to build public trust and ensure accountability.
European Parliament Recommends Sanctions on Tanzania
In late November, Members of the European Parliament recommended sanctions against the Tanzanian government following the October 29, 2025, elections.
Also Read: Suluhu Taken to ICC Over Post-Election Violence in Tanzania
During a motion to discuss the political situation in the aftermath of the October 29 elections on November 26, 2025, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) condemned the arrest of opposition leader Tundu Lissu, Chairman of CHADEMA, and reports of kidnapping and killings.
“Arrested and dozens now face treason charges, a clear sign of how far democratic space has narrowed. Tundu Lissu, a long-time defender of democracy and chairman of the party, Kadema, was arrested six months before the elections and charged with high treason. This crime still carries the death penalty under Tanzanian law. His case is emblematic of a broader pattern of intimidation of the opposition, media restriction, and enforced disappearances,” said one of the members.
The European Parliament members have since urged the EU to suspend its substantial financial support to Tanzania, arguing that it must be aligned with the progress in the rule of law, accountability, and protection of fundamental freedoms.
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