Civil society to Tanzania: Go easy on curbs on freedom

Police monitor people celebrating an opposition candidate’s election win in Dar es Salaam. PHOTO | NMG

A group of 65 civil society organisations from across the world want Tanzanian authorities to end “systematic” restrictions on political and civic freedoms and ensure a free and fair general election next week.

In a letter to President John Magufuli, the activists expressed concern about the decline of fundamental rights in the country over the past five years, worsening during the Covid-19 pandemic and as the country headed for next week’s general election.