Tanzania's President Orders Investigation into Election-Related Deaths

Fri Nov 14 2025 22:56:54 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania has pledged to investigate the violent protests that erupted following her controversial re-election, aiming to address accusations of governmental misconduct during the unrest.

Following a disputed election in which President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner with 98% of the vote, unrest erupted in Tanzania, resulting in numerous protests and allegations of government violence. Hassan announced an investigation into the events and asked for leniency towards those arrested, highlighting the need to reform political practices to prevent future tragedies.

Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan has announced an official investigation into unrest that broke out during election week, following accusations that her government was responsible for violently crushing historic protests.

Hassan was declared the winner of last month's presidential poll with 98% of the vote – a result the opposition has denounced as a 'mockery of democracy.' At least 240 people were charged with treason amid the protests.

Alongside the commission of inquiry, President Hassan has also urged prosecutors to 'show leniency' towards those arrested in connection with the violence, citing the Bible: 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.'

Her remarks come shortly after the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights requested a transparent investigation into reports of killings and other human rights violations during and post the elections held on October 29.

The opposition alleges that hundreds may have died in the unrest, while the authorities have yet to release an official death toll. The violence has shocked a nation that has long been perceived as stable.

During her address to parliament, Hassan acknowledged that many young individuals arrested did not fully comprehend the implications of their actions. 'As a mother and guardian of this nation, I am directing law-enforcement agencies to show leniency,' she stated.

She also invited political parties to collaborate on ways to engage in peaceful political practices and reiterated plans to begin a new constitution-making process.

The protests, which were led by youth and reminiscent of global movements advocating against oppressive governance, reveal broader frustrations within Tanzanian society, particularly among the younger demographic.

Prior to the election, tensions heightened with blocked candidacies of major opposition leaders, leading to claims that the ruling party, CCM, systematically eliminated credible competition.

Initially, President Hassan's approach was welcomed both domestically and internationally, as she allowed opposition parties to express their views without severe repercussions. However, the lead-up to the election was marked by increasing persecution of opposition members and dissent.

In her first term, she committed to a doctrine of reconciliation and reform but faced significant challenges as hopes for political reform diminished leading into the election.