Ghana has expressed concern over the political and human rights situation in Tanzania following the country’s general elections held on October 29.
In a statement released on Wednesday, December 3, the Government of Ghana said it was troubled by what it described as “rapidly evolving political and human rights” issues after the vote.
According to the statement, the period after the election has been marked by “significant security developments, including loss of lives, street clashes and violent stand-offs between the security forces and protesters”.
Ghana said these events pose “considerable implications for the long-term stability of the country”.
The statement noted that Ghana “particularly regrets the civilian casualties” and offered sympathy to affected families.
“Ghana particularly regrets the civilian casualties and extends heartfelt condolences to all the families who are grieving their loved ones lost to the unwarranted violence. We also wish speedy recovery to all those who have suffered injuries.”
The Ghanaian authorities also welcomed assurances from Tanzania that accountability and justice will be pursued. “Ghana recognizes and supports the Tanzanian authorities’ assurance to addressing impunity through accountability, justice, and respect for constitutional order.”
It added that Ghana “affirms the importance of effective policing and public order measures as a part of overall strategies for the promotion and protection of all human rights, especially of the protesters as well as for accountability and justice” and urged the Tanzanian Government to ensure its security forces remain “mindful of these obligations”.
Ghana further called for greater effort from all actors to respect democratic principles during this tense period.
“Ghana stresses the need for enhanced efforts on the part of all stakeholders, including the authorities, political parties, civil society, protesters and the security forces to respect the rule of law and democracy while upholding good governance and safeguarding the civic space critical to preventing any violations and abuses,” the statement said.
As a member of the UN Human Rights Council, Ghana aligned itself with appeals from regional and international bodies. “Ghana… joins the calls made by the African Union, the Commonwealth and the United Nations, especially the call by the High Commissioner for Human Rights for all actors to exercise maximum restraint and for the conduct of transparent and credible impartial investigations into the post-election violence.”
The statement said that “a fair, inclusive and equitable process anchored in the rule of law will provide the victims, including those detained and the alleged perpetrators, access to due process guaranteed under international human rights law”.
Ghana appealed for global support to assist Tanzania during this period of unrest. “In this respect, Ghana calls on the international community to provide all necessary support to Tanzania,” it said.
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