Tanzania: Summary of Key Events - December 01, 2025

[JF Summary]

Chande: We promise transparency and integrity in the investigation of Tanzania's October 29 events​

The Chairman of the Commission of Inquiry into 'Breach of Peace Incidents' during and after the October 29 General Election, Retired Chief Justice Mohammed Chande Othman, stated that the Commission has been tasked with conducting an independent, thorough, and transparent investigation to provide accurate answers to Tanzanians.

Speaking today, December 1, in Dar es Salaam, he outlined six areas to be investigated, including: the source of the violence, the objectives of those who planned the acts, the damage caused, the measures taken by the Government, and recommendations to strengthen accountability and good governance.

Justice Chande emphasized that the Commission's goal is national healing and called on individuals or institutions with information about the events to cooperate. The Commission plans to interview various stakeholders, including victims, suspects, political parties, civil society organizations, election supervisors, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), religious leaders, social groups, defense and security organs, and journalists.

Furthermore, responding to journalists' questions regarding a conflict of interest in the appointment of former Minister of Defense, - Stergomena Tax, to the Commission despite allegations that the army was involved in acts of brutality against protesters, Justice Chande emphasized that the appointment of members is the President's lawful authority and that these leaders are appointed based on criteria she deems legally appropriate. He added that the Commission will start the investigation afresh based on factual evidence, urging all stakeholders to cooperate, and stating that even those refusing to cooperate, including some political parties, will be given a chance because their contribution is crucial in preparing a national roadmap towards peace, reconciliation, and reform proposals such as a New Constitution.

Citizens' Opinions:
Many citizens have continued to criticize the Commission's legitimacy, saying it lacks genuine intent to seek the truth. They question how they can assure Tanzanians that they haven't been given instructions on how to investigate when they were appointed by the number one suspect in the killings that occurred during the election.

They also ask whether the Commission can go outside the terms of reference if that is the basis of their investigation. They also insisted that a suspect cannot investigate themselves, and that President Samia should not have been involved at all in the formation of the Commission to ensure it works with justice and independence.

Others have said the Commission was formed to justify assigning blame to NGOs, citizens, and other institutions so that the perpetrators can avoid accountability, as the terms of reference require. Furthermore, in the six areas they said they would investigate, there was no mention of investigating who gave the order to open fire on civilians, causing the deaths of thousands of people. Citizens feel the Government is acting as if the issue of killings did not happen and that people died by accident during the protests.

Fr. Kitima urges leaders to admit and take responsibility for the killing of civilians that occurred on October 29. Says his talks with the Prime Minister were not related to TEC​

Speaking to the media, the Secretary General of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), Father Charles Kitima, stated that when the Catholic Church defends social welfare, human dignity, and fundamental rights, it does so not for personal interests but for the benefit of all Tanzanians. He said the citizens' pain stems from the failure to admit the truth regarding the killings during the election, emphasizing that those entrusted with the safety of citizens are the ones who should be held accountable instead of shifting the blame to lower-level officials.

Regarding the allegations of civilians being killed, Fr. Kitima said the Church has been a witness to the injured and the bodies of people who were shot through its hospitals, while some police officers prevented the wounded from being treated and wanted to see the bodies in the mortuary. He added that even those who remained in their homes were followed and killed there.

When asked about allegations that youths were paid to protest, Kitima said this is not true and is disrespectful to the youth, noting that the source of the protests is the feeling of insecurity due to abductions, disappearances, and killings that have lasted for over two years. He emphasized that incidents of death, abduction, injury, and violation of human rights are not new in the country.

Additionally, he warned that ignoring the voices of religious leaders is dangerous for the Nation because they cautioned about the suppression of rights in the country, as well as abduction incidents, but were ignored. He referred to advice given by TEC on April 30, which was submitted to the Government on August 27, but since that day, he has received death threats. He noted that he may still be in danger for speaking the truth regarding people's lives and the Nation's future. Furthermore, Fr. Kitima said there appears to be another entity more potent than the Police that is committing these acts of abduction and disappearing people without being controlled, which is why these events do not cease.

Regarding the Government's characterization of what happened as violence and its emphasis on property damage, Fr. Kitima disputed that, saying those were protests. While acknowledging there was property damage, he said that just as the Government admitted to property damage, they must also realize there were killings.

Kitima added that the youth received information about protests, which is why security organs nationwide organized themselves for them. He said Tanzanians will not forgive anyone until those who committed the murders confess, and that the ones who should be asked for forgiveness are the Tanzanians who are despised as "the weak." If they don't ask for forgiveness, it will cost them even a hundred years from now.

Regarding efforts being made to restore peace in the country, including forming a Commission of Inquiry and conducting reconciliation, he said that without admitting that killings took place, those efforts are meaningless. He said people should not wait for the Commission to investigate and come to say people were killed for the Government to admit it when citizens witnessed those killings in various places. It is something that should have been done immediately, along with stating who committed those murders, because Tanzanians are intelligent and know what happened; failing to admit and pretending not to know what happened while waiting for the Commission's answers is a lack of humility.

Furthermore, he said the Government cannot form a commission to investigate itself; instead, it should involve people and institutions from inside and outside the country to dispel doubts of bias, as the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) recommended in its reflection.

Finally, Kitima advised the youth not to despair and to stand by the truth, saying that institutions without an interest in leadership should inform them so that they make the right decisions. He also said they should ensure the foundations of fair elections return to the country, because currently there is "Selection" instead of "Election," citing the example of MPs who won by 99%, which he said confirms the decline in the level of Democracy in the country.

Speaking about his talks with Prime Minister Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba, Kitima said they were personal and not on behalf of the Episcopal Conference, as he was not given an agenda or a letter from TEC.

Citizens' Opinions:
Many agreed with Fr. Kitima's arguments and congratulated him for his courage in speaking the truth about what is going on in the country, despite risking his life, especially with a Government that does not want to listen to the truth from critics. Additionally, they said religious leaders should follow the example of the Catholic Church, which has been at the forefront of defending public interests and criticizing when they see the Government is not performing well, as that is the only way to bring accountability and ensure the country progresses.

Others explained that Kitima's point regarding Police refusing treatment for the injured and forcing them to be taken to the morgue adds evidence regarding the involvement of the Government and security organs in the killing of civilians, demanding that accountability takes place.

However, some citizens expressed concern about Kitima's safety, claiming that this time the Government might carry out a more severe attack against him for criticizing it, especially during this period when they need his support.

President Samia to address the Nation on December 2; RC Chalamaila calls on citizens to report breaches of peace​

Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Albert Chalamaila, said President Samia will meet with the region's elders on December 2 at the JNICC International Conference Centre, where she will also use the opportunity to address the Nation.

He said the meeting is an essential step in restoring and strengthening peace in the country, where various Government leaders and non-public servants will accompany the President.

Chalamaila also called on residents of Dar es Salaam to cooperate with state organs by reporting when they identify groups exhibiting indicators of disrupting peace, noting that security forces remain present in various areas to protect the region's safety. He emphasized that it is the responsibility of citizens to cooperate with the Central and local Governments to ensure the region remains safe while efforts to heal the Nation continue.

Citizens' Opinions:
Many feel that President Samia might instruct the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to release CHADEMA Chairman Tundu Lissu so that the reconciliation process can begin, thereby reducing tensions and persuading youths to suspend protests scheduled for December 9.

Furthermore, others have taken a stance of refusing to cooperate with the Police Force in arresting those seeking to "disturb the peace," saying their demands are fundamental and that protesting is not a legal offense. Moreover, they cannot offer any cooperation to the Police due to the killings they committed during the election.

Patrick Lumumba advises Lissu be released to facilitate National Reconciliation​

Famous Kenyan activist and lawyer, Prof. Patrick Lumumba, has said that the initial steps taken by President Samia, including directing the DPP to review the cases of youths arrested during the October 29 protests with a view to dropping them, are a sign of positive change. Still, they have not been enough to restore political stability in Tanzania.

Speaking to Diamond TV of Zambia, Lumumba said the significant step needed is the release of opposition leader Tundu Lissu, emphasizing that this could open the door to national reconciliation.

Prof. Lumumba added that President Samia has a historic opportunity to restore citizens' trust through a broad reconciliation process, where he mentioned key steps such as: releasing all those arrested for political reasons, forming an independent commission to investigate election events with the cooperation of experts from SADC and the EAC, as well as convening a national conference that will bring together all political parties, religious leaders, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to discuss the Nation's future.

Citizens' Opinions:
Some citizens have said that the reconciliation debate should not be seen solely as a matter for political parties, but as the voice of citizens who want fundamental reforms, such as a New Constitution, an Independent Electoral Commission, and the cessation of all acts violating human rights.

Additionally, others have said no reconciliation or discussions can take place before there is accountability for all those involved in killing civilians during the protests.