Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has announced the opening of a formal investigation into unrest that erupted during election week, following accusations that her government was responsible for the violent repression of historic protests.
She was declared the winner of last month’s presidential vote with 98% of the vote – a result the opposition denounced as a “parody of democracy”. At least 240 people were charged with treason after the protests.
In addition to the commission of inquiry, President Samia also asked prosecutors to “show leniency” towards those arrested in connection with the violence.
Quoting the Bible, she said: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. »
His remarks come just days after UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk urged Tanzanian authorities to conduct a full and transparent investigation into reports of killings and other serious human rights violations during and after the October 29 elections.
Hundreds of people may have died in post-election unrest, opposition says. Authorities have not yet released an official death toll.
This violence was shocking for a nation that had cultivated an image of calm, consensus and order for nearly six decades.
In a speech to parliament on Friday, President Samia urged prosecutors to consider reducing or dropping charges against individuals who may have been drawn into the unrest without fully understanding their actions.
“I am aware that many young people were arrested and accused of treason. They didn’t really understand what they were getting involved in,” she said. “As the mother and guardian of this nation, I order law enforcement, especially the DPP’s office, to show leniency.”
Samia also called on political parties to come together and discuss how to conduct politics without harming the country. She reaffirmed her commitment to launching a new process of drafting a new constitution.
The protests, organized by young people, draw clear parallels with the global mobilizations led by Generation Z against incumbent leaders and unresponsive governments.
Analysts say although the unrest was unprecedented in Tanzania, it was preceded by a tense political climate – marked by stalled reforms, years of simmering youth anger, power struggles within the ruling party and sustained persecution of opposition leaders.
In the months leading up to election day, the CCM government worked to systematically eliminate any credible competition, analysts say.
The two main opposition leaders were unable to run in last month’s elections: Tundu Lissu is in detention on treason charges, which he denies, while Luhaga Mpina’s candidacy was rejected on technical grounds.
During his first term, Samia’s approach to leadership was initially admired both at home and abroad, as it allowed opposition parties to hold rallies and criticize the government without fear of serious repercussions.
She was committed to reopening Tanzania to the world through her “4R” doctrine: reconciliation, resilience, reconstruction and reform.
But months before the elections, a wave of kidnappings, arrests and brutal killings of opposition members gripped the country, dashing hopes for reform and reconciliation.
Additional reporting by Natasha Booty
