The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania breaks silence after Amnesty International, the rights body raised pre-election concerns.

Amnesty released a publication titled “Unopposed, Unchecked, Unjust: ‘Wave of Terror’ Sweeps Tanzania Ahead of 2025 Vote,” and notes with concern the nature and tone of the allegations contained therein.

Gerson Msigwa, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports and also the Chief Government Spokesperson of Tanzania dated a letter on October 24th, 2025, stating that Tanzania is deeply frustrated with the publication.

Even though they are willing to have constructive engagements with international partners, they condemned the brief citing that they could have engaged the government before releasing.

According to Tanzania, Amnesty move undermines the principles of objectivity and mutual respect which guide human international human rights dialogue.

However, Tanzania remains firm and committed to protect and promote human rights before and after 2025 general elections both locally and internationally guided by the constitution.

“The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights, as guaranteed under the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania (1977, as amended), and in accordance with international and regional human rights instruments to which Tanzania is a party, including the ICCPR, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the Convention Against Torture,” read part notice.

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What Tanzania Dismissed

Inside the notice, Tanzania reaffirmed that it enforces zero tolerance policy towards torture and other forms of cruel and inhumane treatment.

Additionally, Tanzania don’t support arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and suppression of freedoms because they contradicts their legal framework.

They have independent bodies situated to investigate any form of misconduct and irregularities.

This bodies include: Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG), the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and the Judiciary, in line with the Criminal Procedure Act, the Penal Code, and the Police Force and Auxiliary Services Act.

Those who will go against the constitution will be forced to face the law governing the land.

“The Government further emphasizes that freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and access to information are protected under the Constitution and regulated through laws such as the Media Services Act, the Access to Information Act, and the Online Content Regulations. These laws are implemented in conformity with Article 19(3) of the ICCPR, which permits limited restrictions necessary to protect national security, public order, and the rights of others,” read part notice.

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The government also assured that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will operate independently as guaranteed by Article 74(11) of the Constitution.

Tanzania will also uphold the principles of transparency, impartiality, and equal political participation during the election period.

They added that all persons are entitled to fair trial by both domestic and internation laws.

However, Tanzania welcomes dialogue with all stakeholders who seek to engage in good faith and encourages all institutions to communicate directly with relevant authorities before publishing materials that are misleading to the public.

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Amnesty International official speaking to press at past event. PHOTO/AM