African Immigrant Rights Council

From the Desk of Executive Officer
December 17, 2025

In November 2025, a CNN investigation revealed disturbing evidence of violence against civilians in Tanzania following the country’s disputed presidential election. Using verified video footage, satellite images, and eyewitness accounts, the report suggests that security forces used lethal force against protesters, many of whom appeared unarmed.

The investigation documents police firing live ammunition, hospitals and morgues overwhelmed with bodies, internet shutdowns, and signs of unmarked or mass graves. While authorities initially denied any killings, later acknowledgments lacked transparency and clear accountability.

The Killing of Civilians Is Not Acceptable

Let me be clear: the killing of civilians is not acceptable—no matter what.
Political disagreement, protest, or claims of maintaining order can never justify the use of lethal force against unarmed people. When civilians are killed, trust between the state and its citizens is broken, and lasting harm is done to the nation as a whole.

What This Means for Asylum Seekers from Tanzania in the U.S.

For Tanzanians seeking asylum in the United States, this situation has serious consequences. Tanzania is often viewed internationally as a peaceful and stable country, which has historically made it harder for asylum seekers to prove credible fear of persecution.

Investigations like CNN’s provide crucial country-conditions evidence, documenting state violence, political repression, and the failure of authorities to protect civilians. For asylum seekers, this evidence can mean the difference between protection and forced return to danger.

At the same time, watching violence unfold back home deepens trauma for those already in exile, many of whom fear for their families and their own safety if deported.

Why This Matters

This is not about politics alone—it is about human life, dignity, and accountability. Tanzania’s long-standing reputation for peace makes these allegations especially serious and deserving of independent investigation.

The Tanzanian government has said it is reviewing the findings. That review must be transparent and credible. Likewise, U.S. asylum systems must recognize documented realities, not rely on outdated assumptions.

As one voice captured in the footage cried out, “Oh my God, this is our Tanzania.”
That cry reflects grief—but also a demand for truth.

And above all, it reminds us of one principle that must never be compromised: the killing of civilians is not acceptable under any circumstances.