The diplomatic firewall protecting President Samia Suluhu Hassan has cracked, with Western powers demanding the immediate release of bodies allegedly concealed by Tanzanian security forces following October’s disputed polls.

This rare, coordinated rebuke from 17 embassies marks a significant diplomatic escalation within the East African Community. For Kenya, the deepening instability of its southern neighbor—and key trading partner—raises urgent questions about regional security and the integrity of democratic transitions in the bloc.

'Concealment of Bodies'

In a joint statement issued late Friday, the diplomatic missions—including the United Kingdom and France—did not mince words. Citing "credible reports," the envoys detailed a grim catalogue of abuses: extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, and arbitrary arrests.

Most damning was the specific allegation regarding the "concealment of bodies" by state authorities. The missions urged the government to release the remains of those killed to their grieving families for proper burial.

The Tanzanian government has moved quickly to deflect the criticism. Officials announced the formation of a commission of inquiry aimed at bringing about an understanding of what they termed "unfortunate events." However, Dar es Salaam has yet to release an official death toll, despite reports suggesting hundreds may have perished.

A 'Mockery of Democracy'

The violence erupted in the wake of the October 29 presidential election, a contest the opposition has denounced as a "mockery of democracy." President Samia was declared the winner with a staggering nearly 98% of the vote—a margin that has drawn skepticism from observers globally.

The lead-up to the polls was marred by:

• The barring of President Samia's main political rivals from the ballot.
• A sweeping internet blackout that severed information flows.
• Threats against citizens sharing photographic evidence of the protests.

While President Samia has staunchly defended the fairness of the electoral process and rejected criticism of her human rights record, the crackdown on demonstrations suggests a tightening grip on power.

As the commission of inquiry begins its work, the families of the missing remain in limbo. For the international community, the question is no longer just about election irregularities, but about the fundamental sanctity of life in one of Africa's most populous nations.