Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has expressed deep sorrow and concern following the tragic deaths, injuries, and destruction that occurred during the October 29 elections.
In a heartfelt address, she acknowledged the pain facing the nation and promised firm steps to restore trust, peace, and accountability.
During the opening of the 13th Parliament on Friday, November 14, Suluhu led lawmakers, invited guests, and the entire nation in observing a minute of silence in honour of those who lost their lives.
She extended her sincere condolences to affected families and urged the country to stay united in the face of the painful events that unfolded during the three days of unrest.
The violence erupted on election day after claims of voter fraud, intimidation, and repression spread across several regions. For three days, especially in Dar es Salaam, residents reported hearing gunfire as hundreds of young people poured onto the streets demanding electoral reforms and fair justice.
Many expressed fear, confusion, and anger as the protests grew more intense, leaving several people dead, many others injured, and some reported missing. More than 600 youths were arrested, with some facing serious charges such as treason.
President Suluhu said she was personally moved by the suffering witnessed across the country.
“I have been deeply saddened by what happened,” she told Parliament. “I send my condolences to all families who lost their loved ones.
We also pray for quick recovery for those who were injured. For those who lost their property, I ask them to remain strong and patient as we work towards healing and rebuilding.”
Suluhu’s Response: Amnesty and a New Commission of Inquiry
In her speech, the president announced a major relief for the arrested youths. She said many of the young people who found themselves facing serious charges acted without full understanding of the consequences.
To address this, she directed legal offices, especially the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), to evaluate each case and drop charges for young people who did not intend to commit crimes.
“Many youths who were arrested and charged with treason did not fully understand what they were doing,” she said. “As a mother and guardian of this nation, I direct the legal institutions to review the cases. For those who acted without intent to commit crimes, their charges should be removed.”
Alongside the amnesty, Suluhu also ordered the establishment of a special commission of inquiry. This commission will investigate what triggered the violence, identify weaknesses in the process, and guide future efforts to build peace and reconcile affected communities.
She explained that the findings will help the country understand the root causes of the unrest and prevent similar events from happening again.
“The government has formed a commission to investigate what happened so that we can understand the real cause,” she said. “That report will help shape discussions aimed at bringing unity and mutual understanding.”
She further urged the youth to safeguard Tanzania’s peace, saying unity and stability are the most important gifts the older generation can pass down to the next. She warned that violence tears communities apart and stalls national progress.
How the Unrest Escalated
The protests erupted shortly after Suluhu was announced the winner with an overwhelming 98% of the vote.
Critics and opposition leaders questioned the credibility of the results, especially after several opposition figures were jailed, disqualified, or prevented from campaigning.
Following the announcement of the results, Tanzania experienced a nationwide internet shutdown, making it difficult for citizens to access information and communicate.
Opposition groups and human rights organisations accused security forces of using excessive force, including abductions and killings, both before and after the elections. These accusations fueled public anger and contributed to the large-scale demonstrations.
The violence left behind a trail of fear, loss, and unanswered questions. Many families are still searching for missing relatives, and others are struggling with injuries or destroyed property.
President Suluhu’s latest statements appear aimed at calming the nation and restoring public confidence after one of the most controversial elections in the country’s recent history.
Her promise of justice, forgiveness, and a transparent investigation is expected to shape the next steps as Tanzania tries to heal from the unrest and rebuild trust in its democratic processes.
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