The government of Tanzania has become progressively employing counterterrorism legislation as an excuse to smother political opposition and deter all contravention. These laws, under national security pretexts have been used to arrest, undertake enforced disappearances, torture, and to censor the media, and specifically as the October 2025 general elections approach. This crackdown has elicited a lot of condemnations by human rights and experts of the UN and international observers who point out that Tanzania is falling into the hands of authoritarianism.
The Misuse of Counterterrorism Laws
Tanzania since the enactment of antiterrorism laws after the 1998 US embassy bombing in Dar es Salaam has increased its security circle such as opening the National Counterterrorism Centre (NCTC). Although counterterrorism is a valid issue based on local security threats posed by organizations such as al- Shabaab, the government has been coming more close to the zone between real security threat and political agitation.
According to Intelwatch, a research and advocacy group that undertakes oversight of intelligence in the global south, Tanzania, as well as Mozambique and Uganda have used the rhetoric of counterterrorism to criminalize journalism and other social activities, including those by activists and opposition leaders. The legislative works allow high definition of the concept of terrorism so that any manifestation of protests or political demonstrations, or critical journalism could be targeted by the government on the pretence of fighting terrorism.
Political Repression Ahead of 2025 Elections
The repression has worsened as the country approaches the October 2025 elections. The opposition parties, especially Chadema, have been subjected to a ban on rallies and political meetings. On April 9, 2025, Tundu Lissu, the chairperson of Chadema was arrested following a peaceful rally in Mbinga. He was forcefully taken more than 1,000 kilometers to Dar es Salaam, used excessive force to arrest him and he was accused of treason which is not bailable and is punishable by death penalty and cyber Crime charges.
Amnesty International denounced his arrest, demanding his release immediately and that the opposition leaders be stopped from persecution. The European parliament adopted a resolution which came out strongly concerned with the detention and the threat to execute Lissu and emphasized that the charges were politically motivated.
The government has also barred Chadema to compete during 2025 elections over the refusal to sign a compulsory code of conduct by it. This action essentially marginalizes the direct opposition, and this negates electoral competitiveness.
Enforced Disappearances and Torture
UN human rights officials have made urgent appeals about a “pattern of repression” that includes enforced disappearances, torture, and sexual violence. Two of Kenya’s and Uganda’s top human rights defenders and journalists, Boniface Mwangi and Agather Atuhaire, respectively, were arrested and subjected to enforced disappearance in May 2025 while observing opposition trials in Dar es Salaam.
Mwangi was discovered traumatized and injured in Kenya days after, while Atuhaire was found along the Tanzania-Uganda border, allegedly tortured and sexually abused in detention. The UN experts stated that such violations are unacceptable and called on the Tanzanian government to immediately stop the violations.
Media Censorship and Restrictions on Freedom of Expression
IN Tanzania, the media is highly regulated. Journalists are harassed, arrested and important outlets are closed down. Media laws are strict and the government often requires information to fit within official accounts, and this makes independent reporting become highly restricted.
Social media is blocked or filtered and laws against cybercrime are in place to punish those who speak out online. The atmosphere encourages self censorship and suppresses national discussions on issues to do with governance and human rights.
Youth Militias and Political Intimidation
The youth militias of the ruling party like Les requins (the Sharks) have been involved in the intimidation and the use of violence to divert the supporters of the opposition. Such groups act with impunity and this has created a climate of fear that inhibits any political activism.
International and Regional Responses
Oryem Nyeko, the senior Africa researcher of Human rights Watch, cautioned that intolerance towards free speech in Tanzania will cause a greater increase in political tensions. UNODC and UN Counter-Terrorism committee have been interested in engaging with Tanzania on the matter of tradeoffs between security and protection of human rights but the concerns remain.
The study by Intelwatch highlights this trend in the region whereby governments have been using counterterrorism policies to negate democratic freedoms in the midst of demands to implement reforms.
Interview Insight from Maria Tsehaye
Human rights activist Maria Tsehaye addressed this issue in an interview with a major news network. She pointed out how Tanzania’s counterterrorism laws are “being used to silence opposition and criminalize legitimate political opposition.” Tsehaye strongly called for international pressure as a top priority to stop further undermining of democratic freedoms and to safeguard activists under repression.
Human Rights Organizations’ Perspectives
Roland Ebole, Amnesty International’s Tanzania researcher, stated:
“As President Magufuli marks four years in office next month, he must carefully reflect on his government’s record of ruthlessly disemboweling the country’s human rights framework. His government must repeal all oppressive laws being used to clamp down on dissent, and urgently end human rights violations and abuses.”
UN human rights experts said:
“Curtailing press and media freedom, and intimidating journalists and human rights defenders, is unacceptable. We are alarmed by reports of a pattern of repression in the lead-up to Tanzania’s general election in October.”
Oryem Nyeko, Human Rights Watch:
“The Tanzanian authorities have shown increasing intolerance for free speech by clamping down on their critics and the political opposition. They must urgently stem the tide of repression or risk escalating an already tense political environment.”
