A legal submission accusing President Samia Suluhu Hassan and senior members of her government of crimes against humanity was formally lodged with the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The document, signed by Madrid-based lawyer Juan Carlos Gutiérrez (who is on the ICC’s List of Counsel), alleges that a “widespread and systematic attack” against Tanzania’s civilian population has been carried out since at least 2022, with a dramatic escalation during and after the controversial general elections of 29 October 2025.

The communication claims violations of Article 7 of the Rome Statute (crimes against humanity), including murder, enforced disappearance, torture, imprisonment in violation of fundamental rules of international law, persecution, and other inhumane acts.

It specifically highlights the targeting of opposition supporters, journalists, human rights defenders, and Muslim communities under the guise of “counter-terrorism” operations, and the forced eviction and persecution of indigenous Maasai communities in the Ngorongoro and Loliondo regions.

Important Excerpts from the Submission

Key excerpts from the submission include:“The attack was conducted pursuant to state policy, with the knowledge and direct participation of the highest levels of the Tanzanian government, including President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her security apparatus.”

“More than 200 families do not know whether their disappeared loved ones are alive or dead. Scores of families cannot bury their relatives because security forces disposed of bodies secretly.”

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“President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her security forces operate with complete impunity.”

The filing urges the ICC Prosecutor to immediately open a preliminary examination, stating:“The Rome Statute was created for precisely this situation – where a state commits mass atrocities against its own population and domestic institutions cannot or will not provide accountability. The ICC is the court of last resort. For Tanzania’s victims, it is the only hope.”

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He said the Communication provides to the OTP substantiated information concerning crimes against humanity perpetrated against the civilian population of the United Republic of Tanzania, with particular focus on the systematic attack that occurred during and following the general elections of 29 October 2025 and ongoing facts.

“This Communication respectfully and urgently requests the Office of the Prosecutor to open a preliminary examination into the situation in Tanzania and to pursue investigation and prosecution with all available resources and speed. Justice delayed is justice denied. For Tanzania’s victims, justice has been delayed too long,” reads part of the petition.

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President Samia Suluhu and her government take to the ICC.PHOTO/ Mwango Capital X.