Western embassies in Tanzania, including the UK and France, have called on the authorities to release all bodies of those killed in the October electoral violence to their families.
Citing 'credible reports', the 17 missions said there was 'evidence of extrajudicial killings, disappearances, arbitrary arrests' and the 'concealment of bodies' by Tanzanian authorities during the unrest.
Tanzania has not commented, but the statement comes just days after President Samia Suluhu Hassan angrily hit out at Western nations, accusing them of interfering in the country's internal affairs.
Hundreds are reported to have been killed in the violence, though the government has not released an official toll.
The authorities violently cracked down on widespread protests following the 29 October presidential election, in which President Samia was declared the winner with nearly 98% of the vote.
Samia's main rivals were barred from participation, prompting significant unrest over the legitimacy of the presidential election, which the opposition denounced as a 'mockery of democracy'.
The government also imposed an internet blackout and threatened any individuals who shared photos from the protests.
President Samia defended the fairness of the election and dismissed criticism of her human rights record.
At least 240 individuals have been charged with treason after protests erupted, although the president later sought to ease tensions, advising prosecutors to 'show leniency'. Many of those charged have been released.
In a joint statement, the coalition of Western embassies urged President Samia's government to free political prisoners and ensure that detainees receive legal and medical assistance.
They emphasized the need for an independent investigation into the causes and circumstances of the violence, involving civil society and political stakeholders.
The statement is part of rising diplomatic pressure on Tanzania amidst reports of extensive human rights abuses during the controversial election.
UN human rights office spokesman Seif Magango stated that the Tanzanian government had intensified a crackdown on opposition since the election, with numerous arrests reportedly executed by unidentified armed personnel.
The US government has indicated it is reconsidering its relationship with Tanzania due to the government's heavy-handed response to protestors.
In a recent speech, President Samia characterized the use of force against protestors as 'necessary' and accused foreign actors of colluding with opposition groups to instigate 'regime change'.
As Tanzania's first female president, Samia came into office in 2021. Initially praised for reducing political oppression, her government's actions have since limited political space in the country.
