The UN human rights office called on Tanzanian authorities Friday to uphold fundamental freedoms amid looming Independence Day demonstrations.
Spokesperson Seif Magango reminded officials of their obligations to guarantee expression, peaceful assembly, and association rights for all Tanzanians.
He urged the government to instruct security forces to plan operations that allow citizens to exercise these essential rights fully.
Magango highlighted that hundreds reportedly died and over 2,000 were detained following unrest after the October 29 general elections.
He said the government had intensified a crackdown on opposition figures, fueling fears of escalating political repression across the country.
The UN criticised a nationwide police ban on all Independence Day protests, calling it an overbroad and disproportionate measure.
Authorities were warned to refrain from using force against non-violent gatherings and to prioritise de-escalation in all operations.
Magango stressed that firearms should only be used as a last resort, strictly to counter imminent threats of death or serious injury.
He expressed concern over detentions of academics, civil society actors, and political figures, some reportedly by unidentified armed personnel.
Rising security deployments, internet restrictions, and expanded digital surveillance risk inflaming tensions and further eroding public trust, the UN said.
The spokesperson also noted that authorities have not disclosed the total deaths or addressed reports of enforced disappearances following the election unrest.
Magango called for the immediate and unconditional release of all arbitrarily detained individuals to prevent further escalation.
He added that the government’s ongoing investigation into post-election violence must meet international standards of independence, impartiality, and transparency.
UN human rights chief Volker Turk stressed protection from reprisals for anyone cooperating with the inquiry and urged swift, thorough accountability.