Seventeen Western countries have issued a joint statement calling on the Government of Tanzania to urgently release the bodies of people killed during recent election-related violence, free political prisoners, and uphold fundamental freedoms in the country.

In the statement, the countries, among them the United Kingdom, Canada, Norway, Switzerland, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden and the European Union Delegation, expressed deep regret over the “tragic loss of lives and numerous injuries in the wake of the elections.”

“We recall the statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union (November 2nd, 2025) and the joint statement from the Foreign Ministers of Canada, Norway, and the United Kingdom (October 31st, 2025) on the elections in Tanzania,” the envoys said.

They added that they “deeply regret the tragic loss of lives and numerous injuries in the wake of the elections,” urging authorities to ensure peace and respect for constitutional rights.

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Envoys Demand Restraint, Respect for Rights

The statement emphasized that while the Tanzanian government has demonstrated a desire for peace and stability, security forces must “act with maximum restraint.”

The countries urged authorities to uphold international obligations on freedom of expression and access to information.

“We underline the importance of security forces acting with maximum restraint. We reiterate our call on the government to uphold their international commitments to protecting fundamental freedoms,” the statement read.

Call for Release of Bodies, Prisoners and Implementation of Election Recommendations

The 17 nations demanded that Tanzanian authorities “urgently release all the bodies of the dead to their families,” while also freeing political detainees and providing legal and medical support to those still in custody.

“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 envoys said.

They further urged the government to implement recommendations highlighted by the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) preliminary election observer missions, which pointed to “clear shortcomings in the electoral process.”

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Push for Independent Inquiry Into Violence

The countries welcomed what they described as Tanzania’s recognition of the need to understand the root causes of election-related violence.

However, they insisted that any investigative process must meet strict standards of fairness.

“We welcome the government’s recognition that understanding the root causes and circumstances of the violence including deaths is a vital step towards justice and reconciliation,” the statement said.

They added that the inquiry “must be independent, transparent, and inclusive, bringing in civil society, faith-based groups, and all political actors.”

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Joint Statement by 17 Countries on the Extrajudicial Killings and Kidnaps in Tanzania. PHOTO/ File