A coalition of international human rights organizations has filed a formal request with the International Criminal Court (ICC) to open an investigation into Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her government for alleged crimes against humanity.
The petition, submitted by the World Jurists Association, the Madrid Bar Association, and the South African NGO Intel Watch, centers on the government’s response to post-election unrest. The groups allege security forces committed mass killings and secretly disposed of hundreds of bodies in mass graves to conceal the atrocities.
The filing with the ICC accuses President Hassan, as commander-in-chief, of liability for the alleged extrajudicial killings of civilians. The request marks a significant escalation in international pressure on the Tanzanian government.
These grave allegations emerge as President Hassan has taken the notable step of cancelling next month’s Independence Day celebrations. A government spokesperson confirmed the funds earmarked for the event will be redirected to rebuilding infrastructure damaged during the civil unrest.
The government’s response to the detailed reports of violence has been one of denial. During a recent press briefing, government spokespersons dismissed figures on civilian deaths as “grossly exaggerated” and denied the existence of mass graves. Officials have repeatedly claimed, without providing evidence, that the protests were sponsored by “foreign powers” seeking to destabilize Tanzania.
Opposition parties, however, have staunchly supported the allegations. Leaders of the main opposition party, CHADMA, state they have collected proof of the atrocities, including video evidence filmed by civilians on mobile phones, which has been submitted to the United Nations and other international bodies.
The political context of the unrest remains deeply contested. International observer missions reported that the recent election, in which President Hassan won by a landslide, was marred by irregularities and failed to meet democratic principles. CHADMA and other opposition parties challenged the results in court, citing the imprisonment of their main challengers on what they call politically motivated charges.
While the government has stated it is conducting its own investigation into the post-election violence, no findings have been released. An official from CHADMA confirmed that while some of those arrested have been released, key opposition figures remain in custody, charged with treason.
The Tanzanian government has yet to issue an official public response to the filing at the ICC. The international community now waits to see if the court’s prosecutors will proceed with a formal investigation into the serious allegations.
