MWE Correspondent
Tanzania’s President, [Samia Suluhu Hassan], has officially inaugurated the Independent Commission to investigate incidents of civil unrest that occurred during and after the [2025 Tanzanian general election].
Speaking at the ceremony held at Ikulu Chamwino in Dodoma on November 20, 2025, the President emphasized that the commission’s formation aligns fully with national laws granting her the authority to establish a special panel to examine sensitive national matters.
President Samia stressed that the commission’s primary task is to conduct a thorough domestic investigation before involving any external or international bodies. “Before inviting commissions from outside the country, we wanted our own national team to begin the work. Later, international bodies can engage with their counterparts who have already started the investigation,” she said.
The President described the unrest as unexpected in a nation with a long-standing reputation for peace, stability, and [political tolerance]. She noted that the commission must explore the root causes of the disturbances, including the key areas where violence erupted, the reasons behind the incidents, the grievances expressed by young people who took to the streets, and statements made by opposition parties.
President Samia also highlighted the need to understand what rights or social opportunities may have been denied to youths, prompting some to resort to protests.
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“It is crucial for the commission to go in-depth, to examine every aspect of these events, and to identify what may have led young citizens to act in ways that disrupted public order,” she said.
The commission will serve as a critical tool for Tanzania to ensure transparency, justice, and accountability. According to the President, the aim is not only to document what transpired but also to provide recommendations that will help prevent future incidents and strengthen the country’s democratic institutions.
The initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to maintaining [rule of law in Tanzania] while safeguarding national peace. The commission is expected to engage with affected communities, civil society organizations, and political stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the events and to propose practical measures for reconciliation and national cohesion.
By launching this independent inquiry, President Samia underlined her administration’s determination to learn from recent disturbances, protect citizens’ rights, and ensure that Tanzania continues on its historical path of political stability, dialogue, and unity.
