Tanzania's President Pledges Investigation into Post-Election Violence

Fri Nov 14 2025 22:34:53 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

President Samia Suluhu Hassan promises a thorough investigation into the violent protests during the election week that resulted in numerous deaths and unrest.

In response to the violence surrounding the recent election, President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced an investigation into the unrest, which has drawn international scrutiny. With calls for leniency towards those arrested during the protests, the president seeks to address a crisis that has shaken Tanzania's historical reputation for stability.

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 crushing historic protests.

Declared the winner of last month's presidential poll with 98% of the vote—a result denounced by the opposition as a mockery of democracy—President Samia faces accusations of suppressing dissent. At least 240 individuals have been charged with treason following the protests.

In her remarks, she urged prosecutors to show leniency towards those arrested, quoting biblical scripture: Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. These statements resonate with calls from various human rights organizations for a thorough investigation into the reported killings and serious human rights violations during and after the elections.

The unrest has caught the attention of international bodies, with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights emphasizing the importance of transparency in investigating the violence that allegedly resulted in hundreds of deaths, although an official toll has yet to be released.

This unrest is particularly jarring for a nation that has, for decades, been seen as a bastion of calmness and order. As President Samia continues to navigate the fallout from this crisis, she has proposed a process for creating a new constitution and has called for political parties to engage in dialogue to cultivate a peaceful political environment.

Political analysts point to a history of escalating tensions, including years of simmering youth anger and the persecution of opposition leaders leading up to the elections. The emergence of protests led predominantly by youth signifies a potential shift in political dynamics within Tanzania, calling into question government accountability and civic engagement.