Tanzania ‘shocked’ by report on deadly post-election violence
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan said the country was 'shocked' after receiving a landmark report into violence that followed the October 2025 general elections.
Speaking from State House in Dar es Salaam on Thursday, Samia said the commission found that the unrest was “planned, coordinated, funded, and executed” by trained individuals. She said the aim was to disrupt the election, create a leadership vacuum and make the country ungovernable.
The independent commission, led by retired Chief Justice Mohamed Chande Othman, found that 518 people were killed during clashes between security forces and protesters. It also identified major failures in security protocols and law enforcement across several regions.
Samia expressed regret over the deaths and announced measures including a special criminal investigation body, a reconciliation commission and possible constitutional reforms to improve electoral transparency.
She also accepted recommendations to fast-track a new constitution by 2028, reform the National Electoral Commission before the 2029 local polls and review the 2014 draft constitution with fresh public input.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
