Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has pledged to establish a commission to investigate the killings during post-election protests, following international pressure and domestic unrest. In her first parliamentary address since reelection, she also urged prosecutors to show leniency towards detained protesters and announced plans for constitutional reforms.
The announcement comes after a contentious election on October 29, where President Samia was declared the winner with 98% of the vote, a result widely criticized by the opposition as undemocratic. The exclusion of key opposition leaders from the ballot fueled widespread protests, particularly among young people, leading to violent clashes with security forces. The African Union noted that the election violated democratic values, adding to the international scrutiny. This marks one of Tanzania’s most significant political crises in decades, challenging the nation’s long-standing image of stability.
During her speech to parliament on Friday, President Samia expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones in the unrest and emphasized the need for peace and reconciliation. She directed the establishment of an inquiry commission to thoroughly investigate the events, aiming to identify the root causes of the violence. The president acknowledged the role of youth in the protests, suggesting that many may not have fully understood the consequences of their actions. Her call for an investigation aligns with earlier requests from the United Nations Human Rights Commissioner, Volker Türk.
Opposition groups, notably the CHADEMA party, have claimed that over 1,000 people were killed by security forces during the protests, though the government has dismissed these figures as exaggerated. Official death tolls have not been released, but reports indicate that hundreds may have died, with at least 240 individuals charged with treason in connection with the violence. The authorities maintain that security forces acted appropriately, while critics accuse the government of excessive force and human rights violations.
In a move towards de-escalation, President Samia urged prosecutors to consider dropping or reducing charges against protesters, particularly those who she said “merely followed the crowd” without malicious intent. Quoting biblical scripture, she appealed for forgiveness, stating, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” This gesture is part of her broader “4R” doctrine—reconciliation, resilience, rebuilding, and reform—which she had promoted earlier in her tenure but which faced setbacks ahead of the election.
The president also committed to initiating a constitutional reform process within the first 100 days of her new term, addressing one of the key demands from opposition parties for meaningful dialogue. This pledge aims to tackle underlying political tensions, including issues of governance and representation that have fueled discontent. However, skeptics question the sincerity of these promises, given the pre-election crackdown on dissent and the blocking of opposition candidates.
International observers, including the UN, have welcomed the announcement of the probe but emphasized the need for transparency and accountability. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights had previously called for a full investigation into allegations of killings and evidence concealment. The outcome of the inquiry could have significant implications for Tanzania’s relations with global partners and its standing in regional bodies like the African Union.
Looking ahead, the success of the investigation and reform efforts will be crucial in restoring trust and stability in Tanzania. If implemented credibly, they could pave the way for healing and democratic consolidation. However, failure to address the grievances could lead to further unrest, underscoring the delicate balance the government must strike in navigating this crisis.
