Dar es Salaam – Muslim leaders in Tanzania on Saturday condemned killings by security forces on the sidelines of a disputed general election last month.
“We strongly condemn the killing of innocent people who were killed during the 2025 general election,” the council of imams said in a statement.
Hassan inherited the presidency on the sudden death of authoritarian head of state John Magufuli in 2021 and was initially feted for easing restrictions on the opposition and media.
But repression returned worse than ever in 2024 and ramped up in the weeks running up to the election.
Churches around the world are praying and standing in solidarity with Tanzanians . The truth is now visible. Amid tragedy, communities call for peace and justice. Vatican🙏🏽🇹🇿
“Where, following recent political elections, clashes have erupted with numerous victims… I urge… pic.twitter.com/gB2dXmnL8Z— Tausi Likokola (@tausilikokola) November 2, 2025
The actions of security forces and the general organisation of the election have been widely criticised at home and abroad.
The imams said their unofficial election observers had found evidence of ballot stuffing and the registration of dead people as voters, adding it was “impossible” to have a legitimate outcome under those conditions.
The imams called for dialogue, a new constitution and the restoration of “justice, peace and human dignity” in the east African country.
Hundreds of protesters have been arrested and charged with treason, which carries the death penalty, but the president has indicated there would be leniency.
Hassan’s intervention on Friday was the first conciliatory message towards the protesters since the unrest. The government has yet to provide casualty figures.
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Source: AFP
