A group of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) has voiced strong support for Tanzanians who have taken to the streets in the aftermath of a disputed general election, describing the ongoing demonstrations as a “legitimate, broad-based movement for democratic renewal.”
In a joint statement issued on Friday, six prominent MEPs — Barry Andrews (Renew Europe), Robert Biedroń (S&D), Udo Bullmann (S&D), Michael Gahler (EPP), David McAllister (EPP), and Erik Marquardt (Greens/EFA) — expressed solidarity with Tanzanian citizens demanding justice, transparency, and accountability following what observers describe as one of the country’s most controversial elections in decades.
“We express our deep solidarity with the people of Tanzania who are courageously taking to the streets to demand democracy, justice, and accountability,” the statement read.
“These are not riots or acts of chaos, but a legitimate, broad-based movement for democratic renewal that brings together citizens from all generations and social backgrounds.”
The lawmakers urged the international community to withhold recognition of the election results until credible investigations into the voting process and post-election violence are conducted.
“The international community must refrain from hastily recognising the recent election results until credible investigations have taken place and democratic standards are ensured,” the MEPs added.
They also warned Tanzania’s military and security forces against suppressing peaceful protests, stressing that any intervention must aim to protect citizens and uphold democracy, not entrench authoritarian control.
“If the military assumes a role in this critical moment, it must be strictly limited to facilitating a peaceful and democratic transition, not entrenching power,” they said.
According to the main opposition party, at least 700 people have been killed in just three days of clashes between protesters and security forces, though the Tanzanian government has dismissed those figures as “exaggerated.”
The UN Human Rights Office has confirmed that “credible reports” indicate widespread killings and injuries in Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and Mwanza, with hundreds more reportedly arrested or missing amid an ongoing internet blackout and night curfew.
Eyewitnesses told Citizen Digital that police and soldiers have been deployed heavily in major cities, using tear gas and live ammunition to disperse demonstrators calling for President Samia Suluhu Hassan to resign.
“We just want our voices heard. We want democracy, not fear,” said one protester from Dar es Salaam, who requested anonymity for safety reasons.
The unrest follows Wednesday’s presidential and parliamentary elections, which international observers have described as neither free nor fair. The electoral commission declared President Samia Suluhu Hassan the winner with nearly 98% of the vote, after two main opposition candidates were disqualified on technical grounds prior to the polls.
The decision triggered nationwide anger, with protesters tearing down campaign banners, blocking roads, and setting fire to government buildings.
Analysts say the ongoing crisis threatens to further isolate Tanzania diplomatically and could destabilize the wider East African region, which has seen a surge in democratic backsliding and military interventions in recent years.
“The EU statement is significant because it signals growing international alarm over Tanzania’s direction,” said Dr. Asha Mwakyusa, a political scientist at the University of Dar es Salaam. “If the violence continues, we could see sanctions or suspension of aid.”
The African Union (AU) and the East African Community (EAC) have both called for calm and dialogue, though critics argue their responses have been muted. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Friday said he was “deeply concerned” about the violence and urged the Tanzanian authorities to “uphold fundamental freedoms.”
Kenyan opposition figures, including ODM deputy leader Hassan Joho, also expressed solidarity with Tanzanian protesters, saying East Africa must defend democracy “not only in words but in action.”
Friday’s statement marks one of the strongest rebukes from European lawmakers toward a Tanzanian administration since the end of the Magufuli era in 2021.
“The people of Tanzania deserve freedom, dignity, and a government that reflects their will,” the MEPs concluded. “We stand with all those peacefully calling for democracy and human rights in Tanzania and across the region.”
As Tanzania remains under partial internet shutdown, many families are still struggling to contact relatives caught in the violence. Human rights groups have urged the government to restore communication channels, release detainees, and open dialogue with civil society before the crisis deepens further.
