Tanzania Orders New Election Violence Probe

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has ordered a new investigation into the violence that followed the October 2025 general election, in which at least 518 people were killed in the country.

Hassan announced a six-member commission on Friday to investigate who organised, participated in, and financed the violence. A previous government-appointed inquiry, which submitted its findings in April, confirmed at least 518 deaths but did not identify those responsible. It recommended a criminal investigation to establish accountability.

The new commission has been given an initial five-month deadline to complete its work and submit a report, although Hassan said the period could be extended if investigators require more time.

Hassan said the commission would include judges from Uganda and Namibia alongside Tanzanian members, with the involvement of judges from the East African Community and Southern African Development Community intended to provide a broader perspective and strengthen the credibility of the investigation.

The president urged Tanzanians to cooperate with the commission and allow it to conduct its work without interference.

Hassan was declared the winner of the 2025 election with 98% of the vote. The election and the violence that followed drew widespread criticism, while the previous inquiry did not establish who was responsible for the deaths.

SOURCE: AFP