Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan has announced an official investigation into the unrest that broke out during election week, following accusations that her government was responsible for violently suppressing historic protests.
She was declared the winner of last month's presidential poll with 98% of the vote—a result that the opposition has denounced as a mockery of democracy. Following the protests, at least 240 individuals faced charges of treason.
Alongside the inquiry, President Samia has called on prosecutors to show leniency toward those arrested amid the violence. Quoting the Bible, she stated: Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.
These remarks come just days after UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, pressed Tanzanian authorities for a thorough and transparent investigation into reports of killings and significant human rights violations that occurred during and after the 29 October elections.
According to the opposition, hundreds may have died in the post-election unrest, although authorities have yet to provide an official death toll.
Such violence was startling for a nation that has maintained an image of calm, consensus, and order for nearly six decades.
During an address to parliament, President Samia encouraged prosecutors to consider reducing or dropping charges against those misled by the tumult. I am aware that many young people have been arrested and charged with treason. They did not fully understand what they were getting involved in, she stated. As a mother and guardian of this nation, I am directing law-enforcement agencies, especially the DPP's office, to show leniency.
The President also urged political parties to engage in discussions on conducting politics without causing harm to the country and reaffirmed her commitment to initiating a new constitution-making process.
The protests, which were primarily driven by young people, drew parallels with global Gen Z-led movements against entrenched leadership and unresponsive governments. Analysts suggest that while the unrest was unprecedented for Tanzania, it was birthed from a politically tense environment marked by stalled reforms, simmering youth discontent, power struggles within the ruling party, and the ongoing persecution of opposition leaders.
In the run-up to the elections, the ruling CCM government appeared to systematically eliminate credible competition, as two main opposition leaders were obstructed from participating. Tundu Lissu remains in detention facing treason charges he denies, while Luhaga Mpina's candidacy was dismissed on technicalities.
In her first term, Samia had initially gained praise at home and abroad for allowing opposition parties to organize rallies and challenge the government openly. However, the months before the election saw a rise in abductions, arrests, and the alarming killing of opposition members, leading to waning hopes for meaningful reforms and reconciliation.
