Samia Orders Probe Into Deadly Post-Election Unrest as Report Points to Criminal Acts

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has ordered the formation of a special investigative body to follow up on findings in the Commission of Inquiry report on the October 29, 2025, post-election unrest.

The commission, chaired by retired Chief Justice Mohamed Othman Chande, presented its report at State House, Dar es Salaam. It linked the unrest to indications of criminal conduct during and after the 2025 General Election.

Justice Chande said the events did not qualify as peaceful demonstrations. Instead, he said they involved serious breaches of public order.

He added that organisers failed to follow the law. They did not give prior notification to police before holding demonstrations, as required by the Constitution.

He also noted that the unrest took place on election day. As a result, citizens lost their chance to fully take part in the electoral process.

Commission Cites Breach of Constitutional Requirements

“Participants in the unrest during and after the election carried various types of weapons, including stones, iron bars, spears, chains, sticks, clubs, matches, knives, firearms, slingshots and machetes, which are not permitted in peaceful demonstrations,” he said.

He further stated that the law does not allow protests that create fear, threaten national security, or endanger lives and property. On that basis, he said the commission found the unrest inconsistent with lawful demonstrations.

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Organisers and Financing Under Probe

President Samia said the new investigative body will trace individuals behind the unrest. It will focus on those who organised, coordinated, and financed the activities.

She added that investigators will examine incidents involving the deaths of children. They will also look into reports of missing bodies and confirm what happened in each case.

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Alleged Abductions Under Scrutiny

“The body will investigate alleged abductions. It will also review cases of missing persons, including those reported outside the main areas of unrest,” she added.

Beyond the investigations, President Samia announced a support programme for victims. The government will fund continued medical treatment for the injured.

It will also provide assistive devices and prosthetic limbs for those left with disabilities.

Finally, she reaffirmed the government’s commitment to justice, accountability, and long-term support for all affected families.

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The aftermath of the post-election violence in Tanzania on October 29, 2025. PHOTO/ Reuters