Samia Suluhu bows to pressure over Tanzania killings, announces first action
By Faith Lagat, November 14, 2025Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan has announced the formation of an inquiry commission to investigate post-election violence that erupted following the October 29, 2025, general elections.
The announcement came during an address to the newly inaugurated 13th Parliament on Friday, November 14, 2025, amid mounting international pressure, including urgent calls from United Nations Human Rights Chief Volker Türk for an independent probe into reports of killings, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary detentions.
Inquiry commission to probe violence
The elections, which saw Hassan declared winner with 98 per cent of the vote, were overshadowed by opposition boycotts, disqualifications of rivals such as Chadema leader Tundu Lissu, and allegations of ballot-stuffing and voter intimidation.
The African Union Election Observation Mission, led by former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi, condemned the polls as uncompetitive and falling short of democratic standards, citing procedural irregularities, an internet shutdown, and a repressive pre-election environment. Nationwide protests erupted, met with heavy security crackdowns.
Opposition groups claim over 1,000 deaths, figures the government dismisses as exaggerated.
Addressing Parliament, Suluhu stated, “Serikali ya Tanzania imechukua hatua ya kuunda tume ya kuchunguza yaliyotukia yaani inquiry commission ili tujue kiini cha tatizo, taarifa hiyo itatuongoza kujielekeza kwenye mazungumzo ya kuleta maelewano na amani na amani.” She said the commission’s findings would guide national dialogue toward reconciliation and lasting peace.
Condolences and support for victims
Suluhu expressed personal grief over the unrest: “Mimi binafsi, nimehuzunishwa sana na tukio lile, natoa pole kwa familia zote, zilizopoteza wapendwa wao, na tunaomba mwenyezi Mungu awapumzishe kwa amani.”
She also extended empathy to survivors: “Aidha kwa majeruhi, tunawaombea wapone kwa haraka, na kwa wale waliopoteza mali zao, tunawaomba wawe na ustahamala na uvumilivu.“
The UN chief’s statement highlighted credible information of security forces removing bodies from streets and hospitals and called for the release of over 150 detainees, including minors facing treason charges.
Also watch: Amnesty International had sounded an alarm over escalating repression in Tanzania
Parliamentary transition and leadership
During her speech, Suluhu congratulated the newly elected Speaker Mussa Azzan Zungu and commended the outgoing Speaker Tulia Ackson.
“Napongeza Mheshimiwa Mussa Azzan Zungu, kwa kuchaguliwa kuwa mbunge wa Ilala, na kuchaguliwa kama spika wa bunge hili la kumi na tatu, ni imani yangu kwa uzoefu wako katika bunge hili, utatuongoza kusimamia utekelezaji wa shughuli za bunge kwa ufanisi mkubwa,” “Aidha nitumie fursa hii kumpongeza kwa dhati spika mstaafu Tulia Ackson kwa kuliongoza vyema bunge la kumi na mbili,”
Her remarks came shortly after Parliament confirmed Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba on November 13, 2025, who pledged to focus on job creation and anti-corruption measures. Rights groups welcomed the inquiry commission but urged international oversight to ensure transparency and accountability.