Dar es Salaam – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for a “meaningful and inclusive national dialogue” in Tanzania to address the root causes of the violent clashes that followed the country’s disputed general election on October 29, 2025.
The statement came during a meeting on December 14, 2025, where Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mahmoud Kombo, delivered a special message from President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
According to a press release from the Tanzanian government, Mr Guterres acknowledged that the nation’s long-standing reputation as an “icon of peace was tested” during the recent election.
He emphasised the UN’s interest in seeing Tanzania remain united and reaffirmed the organisation’s support for the government’s Commission of Inquiry into the events.
The meeting occurs against a backdrop of mounting international pressure on President Samia’s government. The United States has initiated a “comprehensive review” of its bilateral relationship with the East African nation, citing a violent crackdown on civilians and the repression of fundamental freedoms.
The European Parliament has also condemned the post-election killings and deteriorating human rights situation.
Following the October 29 polls, protests erupted across the country and were met with a forceful response from security services. A UN report from October 31, 2025, noted that at least ten demonstrators were killed, while other sources cited by UN human rights experts suggest the number of extrajudicial killings could be 700 or more.
The government also imposed a nationwide internet shutdown and has reportedly detained over 1,700 people, with many facing serious charges such as treason.
In a speech on December 2, 2025, President Samia defended the actions of the security forces, questioning what “less force would have looked like” and rejecting external criticism.
The country’s main opposition party, CHADEMA, has dismissed the government-appointed commission, stating they have “no faith in any domestic commission” and have called for an independent international investigation.
Mr Guterres’s call for dialogue underscores the international community’s focus on finding a peaceful resolution and ensuring accountability for the violence that marred the election period.
