On 25 November 2025, a coalition of human rights organisations — including the World Jurists Association, the Madrid Bar Association, Human Rights Institute, and Intelwatch — formally submitted a petition to the International Criminal Court (ICC), urging it to examine allegations of mass killings and abuses by Tanzanian security forces following the 29 October 2025 general election.
The petition alleges widespread crimes against humanity, citing murder, enforced disappearances, torture, sexual violence, and forced displacement allegedly committed during and after the election period. According to the submission, the violence targeted civilians and indigenous groups- Maasai communities, which would represent “systematic attacks” under international law.
Speaking on behalf of victims, lawyer Juan Carlos Gutierrez emphasised accountability at the highest level:
“As commander-in-chief, President Samia Suluhu Hassan bears responsibility. The scale and nature of these abuses warrant international scrutiny and justice.”
The petition draws global momentum from mounting concerns over Tanzania’s post-election climate. Opposition party CHADEMA previously called on both the ICC and United Nations to investigate security force actions during protests sparked by alleged vote manipulation and suppression of political opponents. Party leaders noted that footage of casualties and injured civilians required “urgent and independent action.”
Civil society networks also reported troubling claims about thousands of casualties. Jumuiya Ni Yetu, a movement representing more than 40 organisations, alleged up to 3,000 deaths and urged accountability for senior officials. They described these killings as part of “a broader campaign to silence dissent following the 2025 polls.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government has moved to launch domestic inquiries, but many critics contend these efforts are insufficient. Civil-rights advocates argue that national mechanisms lack credibility without genuine independence, and that only international oversight can ensure impartial justice.
Amid this heightened scrutiny, the ICC’s Office of the Prosecutor must now decide whether to open a preliminary examination. If approved, the next phase could involve evidence collection, witness testimonies, and assessments on whether to launch a full investigation or pursue formal charges.
For Tanzania, this petition marks a critical moment where domestic political tensions have crossed into the international arena. As legal and human rights actors push for accountability, President Samia’s leadership is under global observation — with calls for justice and transparency growing louder across civil society and human rights platforms.
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