Samia Suluhu pardons youths involved in election day protests
By Ascah Mwango, November 15, 2025Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has ordered that charges be dropped against young people and children who took part in the protests on October 29, 2025.
She announced during her address to the 13th Parliament on Friday, November 14, 2025, noting that many youths joined the demonstrations out of ignorance or peer pressure rather than with the intent to commit serious crimes.
The president directed the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and other law enforcement authorities to review the cases of those arrested, especially those who merely followed the movement.
She urged young Tanzanians to safeguard national peace and unity and warned them not to be persuaded into actions that could harm the country.
“Sambamba na mambo mengine, katika hotuba yangu ya kulifungua Bunge la 13 la Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania, nimevielekeza vyombo vya sheria hasa Ofisi Mkurugenzi wa Mashtaka (DPP), kuwafutia makosa vijana na watoto wetu ambao kwa kutokujua, walifanya makosa kwa kufuata mkumbo Oktoba 29 mwaka huu. Nikiwa Mama na Mlezi, ninawasihi vijana wote kuendelea kulinda amani na mshikamano wa nchi yetu, na hata siku moja msikubali kushawishiwa kuichoma nchi yenu wenyewe,” Suluhu stated.
Loosely translated as;
“Alongside other matters, in my speech opening the 13th Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania, I have directed the law enforcement authorities, especially the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), to drop charges against our youths and children who, out of ignorance, committed mistakes by following the movement on October 29 this year. As a mother and guardian, I urge all young people to continue safeguarding the peace and unity of our country, and never allow yourselves to be persuaded to destroy your own nation.”
The unrest erupted on election day when President Suluhu was declared the winner with more than 97 per cent of the vote. Opposition candidates had been barred from running, raising concerns about the fairness of the election.
In cities including Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Mwanza, young people protested what they saw as a predetermined outcome. Security forces responded with curfews, internet shutdowns, and arrests.
In the days following the protests, dozens of youths were charged with treason and criminal conspiracy for their involvement.
President Suluhu also announced the formation of a commission to investigate the causes of the unrest, review the deaths during the demonstrations, and support reconciliation efforts.