MWE Correspondent
On December 9, 2025, Tanzania observed 64 years since Tanganyika achieved independence. Traditionally a day to celebrate freedom, the occasion was overshadowed by government measures restricting public demonstrations.
Activists had planned peaceful protests to demand justice for victims of post-election violence and accountability for those responsible, but authorities banned the gatherings and deployed security forces, drawing criticism from opposition groups and civil society.
The opposition party ACT Wazalendo reiterated its rejection of the post-election Chande Commission, led by retired Chief Justice Othman Chande. The party described the commission as lacking independence, transparency, and public participation, arguing that it cannot deliver justice for hundreds who were killed, or thousands who were detained or went missing during post-election unrest.
ACT Wazalendo called for a credible, internationally supervised investigation under the auspices of the United Nations, the African Union, or the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The party stressed that such a process is essential to restore public trust and ensure accountability for violations of human rights.
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The party also urged the government to ratify the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance, which promotes free and fair elections as well as protection of citizens’ rights. Ratification, ACT Wazalendo noted, would demonstrate a serious commitment to restoring democratic governance in Tanzania.
Furthermore, ACT Wazalendo called for a renewed constitutional reform process to establish a system that guarantees genuine democracy, protection of civil liberties, and accountability for public officials.
The party reaffirmed its solidarity with Tanzanians advocating for justice and democratic freedoms. It encouraged citizens, civil society organizations, and international partners to support the struggle for a free and democratic Tanzania, emphasizing that collective action is key to building a nation that upholds human rights, transparency, and the rule of law.
The statement was issued on December 10, 2025, by Isihaka Mchinjita, ACT Wazalendo’s Vice-Chairman for Mainland Affairs.
