How Tanzania plans to prevent election violence after the 2025 unrest
Tanzania says it is using an independent commission of inquiry and a new national reconciliation plan to prevent a repeat of the unrest that followed the October 29, 2025 general elections.
The government outlined the steps during a side event on the margins of the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, saying it is relying on findings from the Independent Commission of Inquiry into the unrest, property destruction and alleged deaths to guide long-term reforms.
Assistant Director for Human Rights at the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs, Beatrice Edward Mpembo, said the commission was set up by President Samia Suluhu Hassan on November 18, 2025, to investigate what happened, examine root causes and advise the government on solutions.
The commission is chaired by retired Chief Justice Mohamed Chande Othman and includes eight other commissioners. It is mandated to assess issues such as youth grievances, opposition actions, security responses and possible financing behind the violence, and to recommend reforms to strengthen reconciliation and democratic institutions.
Authorities said the process includes public participation through a website and hearings, and that the commission’s report is expected in April 2026 after an extension.
Based on its work, Tanzania has proposed a National Reconciliation Initiative and announced other measures, including pardons for 1,787 youths convicted of minor offences linked to the unrest and the creation of a new Youth Ministry to address unemployment and skills development.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
