Tanzania's President Orders Investigation into Election-Related Violence

Sat Nov 15 2025 07:34:54 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Following violent protests after the controversial elections, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has initiated an investigation and called for leniency towards those arrested during the unrest.

In the wake of tumultuous protests during election week, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has announced a probe into the unrest and has urged leniency for those charged with treason. The move comes after widespread accusations of governmental oppression and calls for transparency from international human rights groups. Despite her recent electoral victory, concerns over the political climate remain high as opposition leaders were barred from contesting, leaving many youths to express their frustrations on the streets.

Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan has announced an official investigation into the unrest that broke out during the election week, following accusations of her government violently suppressing historic protests.

Declared the winner of last month's presidential election with 98% of the vote—a result denounced by the opposition as a mockery of democracy—Hassan's government faces serious allegations of human rights violations. At least 240 individuals have been charged with treason amidst the protests that erupted after the elections.

In a move aimed at addressing the unrest, Hassan has asked prosecutors to show leniency towards those arrested, citing the Bible in her remark: Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.\

Her comments come on the heels of a call from UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, urging a complete and transparent investigation into reports of killings and serious human rights abuses that occurred during and after the October 29 elections.

The violence has been shocking for a nation once seen as a bastion of calm and stability for nearly six decades. Reports suggest that hundreds may have died in the post-election chaos; however, an official death toll remains unconfirmed.

During her parliamentary address, President Hassan expressed sympathy for the youth arrested in the protests, noting their lack of understanding of the situation. I am directing law enforcement agencies to show leniency, she stated, emphasizing the need for political parties to engage in dialogue to avoid further harm to the country.

While Hassan initially garnered respect for her leadership style, allowing opposition voices to flourish in the months leading up to the elections, the political atmosphere soured as abductions, arrests, and violent crackdowns intensified. The government systematically eliminated credible opposition ahead of the polls, which saw key leaders blocked from running, prompting heightened dissent among the populace.

The events surrounding this election underscore a growing tension in Tanzania's political narrative, marked by stalled reforms and a burgeoning frustration from the youth towards entrenched power dynamics.