Nineteen diplomatic missions in Tanzania, including the EU, UK, and Canada, issued a joint appeal Friday urging authorities to return bodies of those killed.
The envoys expressed deep regret over lives lost and injuries sustained during post-election unrest, citing credible reports of extrajudicial killings and disappearances.
They called for the immediate release of detainees held over protests and full legal and medical access for those still in custody.
Diplomats urged Tanzania to implement recommendations from African Union and SADC observers, who documented irregularities during the October 29 elections.
The statement stressed that constitutional guarantees of expression and access to information must be upheld, with inquiries into violence independent and transparent.
The joint appeal followed a US warning that ongoing repression and violence against civilians risked straining diplomatic relations with Tanzania.
Washington highlighted its longstanding partnership with Tanzanians but expressed concern over the government’s recent actions and the bilateral relationship’s trajectory.
Tanzania has faced global scrutiny after deadly clashes erupted following the declaration of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s overwhelming electoral victory.
Human rights groups and opposition figures claim security forces killed significantly more people than government reports indicate.
The diplomats acknowledged the government’s stated desire for peace but urged restraint and swift measures to rebuild public trust.
They emphasised returning victims’ bodies to families and releasing political prisoners as essential steps toward reconciliation and accountability.
