Campaigners Demand ICC Investigation into Tanzania's 2025 Post-Election Violence

“They provided a substantial body of evidence, including detailed eyewitness testimonies, medical records, documentation of government orders, and photographic and video materials,” reads part of the article.

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan won the 2025 presidential election with 97.66% of the vote after opposition candidates were either withdrawn or imprisoned before polling day. This sparked widespread demonstrations that security forces allegedly suppressed, resulting in an estimated 700-2000 deaths.

International Relations expert Agbegnigan Yaovi argued in an opinion article that the ICC's continued inaction has raised concerns among victims' families and civil society groups. According to Yaovi, relatives of victims appealed to the Coalition for the International Criminal Court on 20 June, urging the organisation to draw international attention to the situation and push for a formal investigation into Tanzania's post-election crackdown.

Yaovi noted that Tanzanian civil society organisations have accused authorities of committing crimes against humanity during the protests. He highlighted conflicting estimates of the death toll, with United Nations experts and independent human rights organisations estimating 700 to 2000 deaths, while a Tanzanian government commission reported 518 deaths.

The ICC has not opened even a preliminary investigation into the allegations, despite evidence submitted by lawyers and human rights organisations, including the World Jurist Association, the Madrid Bar Association, and South African-based NGO IntelWatch. Yaovi argued that Tanzania's official inquiry has failed to hold senior officials accountable and alleged that witnesses have faced intimidation.

Yaovi compared the Tanzania situation with other cases pursued by the ICC, including its investigation into the war in Ukraine and its arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He suggested that the ICC may be relying on the principle of complementarity, which allows national authorities to investigate alleged crimes before the court intervenes. However, he argued that Tanzania's domestic processes have failed to deliver accountability.

Yaovi concluded by urging the ICC to place justice above political considerations and launch an investigation into the events surrounding Tanzania's 2025 post-election unrest.

The ICC has not publicly explained why it has not opened an investigation into the allegations, while the Tanzanian government has maintained its own account of the events and casualty figures.

Yaovi's calls for ICC action highlight a broader concern about the lack of accountability in Tanzania's post-election crackdown. As the situation unfolds, it is essential to continue pushing for justice and transparency.