JF Summary
Senior Member
- Jul 3, 2015
- 163
- 109
Samia launches Commission of Inquiry into 'Breach of Peace Events' during the Election; calls for investigation into opposition statements, NGO participation, and claims of youth being paid to cause violence
President Samia has officially launched the Commission of Inquiry into 'Breach of Peace Events' during and after the Election, stating that it was formed in accordance with the law that empowers her to establish a special commission to investigate sensitive national issues. She noted the goal is to conduct an internal investigation before involving external teams.
In her speech at Chamwino State House, Dodoma, on November 20, President Samia outlined the main areas of investigation, including: the root cause of the violence, claims regarding the youth who took to the streets, statements by opposition parties, the participation of local and foreign civil society organizations (NGOs), allegations that these NGOs paid youth before the demonstrations, and the relationship between opposition parties and the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The President stated that the work of this Commission will lay the foundation for the Reconciliation she promised within 100 days of taking office, and the recommendations provided will guide subsequent actions. She noted that the preliminary investigation is expected to be completed within three months, although the timeframe may be adjusted depending on circumstances.
Public Opinion:
Many have stated that the so-called 'investigation' seems pre-determined, given the terms of reference provided by President Samia, which list all the areas the Commission is required to investigate. These directives imply they are not supposed to deviate from them, suggesting the Commission was formed to complete a schedule rather than conduct a genuine investigation.
Some have said the President wants to kill major NGOs in the country that have been at the forefront of defending citizens' interests and ensuring their human rights are protected, by claiming protesters were paid to cause violence. They argue this is a lie, as citizens went out to demonstrate against oppressive measures that violate human rights principles and free elections.
Additionally, others have questioned the truth regarding the Government's statements about the protesters. Initially, they said those causing violence were 'citizens from outside'; later, they said those who died were 'citizens from outside'; then they claimed many who demonstrated were 'following the crowd'; and now they say the youth were 'paid to cause violence'!
Citizens claim this is arrogance on the part of the President and her Government, ignoring and failing to listen to citizens' complaints, and instead fabricating lies to dismantle those complaints.
EU Parliament Committees Object to €156 Million Funding for Tanzania Amid 'Democratic Backsliding'
Committees within the European Parliament have formally opposed the European Commission's proposal to provide €156 million (approx. Sh438.7 billion) in development funding to Tanzania for the year 2026. This significant objection was finalized on Thursday through a joint vote by the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) and the Committee on Development (DEVE). The motion passed with an overwhelming majority: 53 votes in favor of the objection, two against, and one abstention.
The primary drivers behind this move are serious concerns regarding the state of democracy in the East African nation. European officials cited alleged "democratic backsliding" and violent unrest in the aftermath of Tanzania's recent general Election as the central reasons for their opposition. David McAllister, chair of the Foreign Affairs committee, emphasized that the EU cannot move forward with funding based on documentation that overlooks alleged repression, fraudulent electoral processes, and authoritarian governance.
This legislative action follows a statement issued three weeks prior by the European Union, which expressed deep concern regarding the events surrounding the October 29, 2025, general elections. The EU had previously noted reliable reports of fatalities and a distinct lack of a level playing field leading up to the polls. At the time, they explicitly urged Tanzanian authorities to release detained politicians and conduct thorough investigations into reported incidents of violence, abductions, and disappearances.
While this objection serves as a stern warning regarding the international community's view of Tanzania's governance, it does not legally force an immediate halt to the disbursement of funds. The vote acts as a powerful political signal to the European Commission rather than an automatic veto. It highlights the growing friction between the Parliament's stance on human rights compliance and the Commission's planned financial implementations under the NDICI-Global Europe Regulation.
Public Opinion:
Many Tanzanians, especially across social media, have supported the EU's steps to suspend funding to Tanzania due to the suppression of human rights, backsliding of democracy, incidents of abduction and killings, and the oppression of the opposition. Citizens added that after the European Parliament set an example, others may follow, which could help increase pressure on Samia and her Government to be accountable for the events that occurred during the Election.
Some have expressed fear of losing aid from Europe and other Western countries, leading to a decrease in government revenue, which will affect ordinary citizens more and increase the cost of living, as the Government might introduce taxes that will burden them.
Community of Islamic Institutions condemns election violence; urges Muslim youth not to participate in December 9 demonstrations
The Community of Islamic Institutions in the country, which falls under the National Muslim Council of Tanzania (BAKWATA), has strongly condemned the violent events that occurred during and after the Election, stating they have brought grief and loss to families, society, and the nation. In a statement issued on November 20 in Dar es Salaam and presented by Sheikh Mussa Kundecha, they said voting began peacefully in many areas before violence broke out in some areas.
Sheikh Kundecha said they support the national reconciliation agenda led by President Samia, but emphasized that Reconciliation should not be used to hide crime; all those involved in violence should be identified, and the innocent should be protected. They also urged Tanzanians to maintain solidarity and avoid words or actions that could incite division.
Furthermore, they urged Muslim youth to stay home on December 9 and engage in worship rather than attend gatherings that risk causing chaos. They urged Tanzanians to use legal procedures to demand their rights when compelled to do so.
Public Opinion:
Many reactions express anger and criticism toward the community's statement, accusing them of being used by the ruling party and the Government to prevent demonstrations, insisting that demonstrating is their constitutional right and that they cannot be stopped if they wish to do so.
Others say there have been excessive statements from religious leaders, appearing like a "campaign," stating this is happening after the government and ruling party realized they cannot use artists to convey their agendas due to citizens' anger toward them, a matter that endangers national security by sparking religious conflicts.
Additionally, others viewed the statement as a way to cool down citizens after Muslim clerics said they would "cut off the heads" of citizens who would go out to demonstrate on December 9, showing great religious hatred against Christians and especially Catholics.
On the other hand, citizens have continued to educate and mobilize each other not to accept being divided and entering into religious conflicts, as that is precisely what the Government, the President, and the ruling party want to happen, so they can avoid accountability for the killings that occurred during the Election.
Prime Minister meets and holds talks with Father Kitima
PM Mwigulu Nchemba met with the Secretary General of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), Father Charles Kitima, at the Prime Minister's Sub-office in Magogoni, Dar es Salaam, on November 20. However, the purpose of the conversation has not been made public.
Public Opinion:
Many have tried to guess the purpose of the meeting, with some saying the Government has called the leader to smooth over the ongoing tension among religious leaders, as it could cause significant harm.
Additionally, others have said that reconciliation efforts may have begun with influential religious leaders, emphasizing that TEC is principled, and believe there is no peace without justice, and that justice does not come without accountability.
CAF awards Samia a Special Award
President Samia has been awarded a Special Award by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in recognition of her contributions to soccer. The award was presented on November 19 in Rabat, Morocco, during the CAF Awards 2025 ceremony. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports and Chief Government Spokesperson, Gerson Msigwa, received the award on behalf of the President.
Public Opinion:
Many have ridiculed the award, saying Samia does not deserve it because she has been using sports, especially soccer, to boost her political popularity and get sports fans to vote for her. They also say that many acts of human rights violations in the country prove she did not deserve the award.
Two kidnapped at different times in Arusha; one is a CHADEMA cadre
Two abduction incidents have occurred in the City of Arusha involving people in civilian clothes carrying weapons. In the first incident, Victor Ndibalema (a CHADEMA member) was abducted by people who forcibly removed him in a Land Cruiser vehicle, claiming they were taking him to the Central Police Station. Still, when followed up by family and CHADEMA leaders, he was not found at any Police station.
In the second incident, another young man was abducted at the 'Stendi ya Mtei' area in Arusha by people with firearms. The name of this young man was not immediately obtained.
Public Opinion:
Many have complained that thugs with firearms are abducting people freely, while state organs, especially the Police, are either collaborating or doing nothing to stop these events. This situation is described as starting to be considered normal against citizens, making Tanzania increasingly appear to be no longer a safe place.
Others have questioned the sources of heavy weapons that abductors have been seen with, saying perhaps the claims of a container of weapons being imported into the country by the President's son (Abdul) to 'deal with' government critics were true.
Additionally, some have called on citizens to cooperate to eradicate these incidents by attacking the abductors when they try to leave with a person, instead of standing aside and watching their fellows being abducted, because no one is safe.
Mpoki: I was expecting that, as we are burying, MC Pilipili's murderers would be in jail
Comedian Mujuni Sylivery (popularly known as Mpoki) has accused the Police of failing to arrest the suspects in MC Pilipili's murder by the time of his burial.
Mpoki expressed his disappointment that it was his expectation that the suspects would be in jail during the funeral, stating that this is possible, as others have been arrested within just one day. He wondered why it was difficult for those who killed MC Pilipili when there was a person who could be a starting point for the investigation!
Additionally, Mpoki emphasized that some leaders appeared not to be close to artists during challenges, explaining how they avoided MC Pilipili when he sought their help. He advised leaders to answer calls from artists and provide help instead of staying away, as it is they (the artists) who helped them until they obtained the leadership positions they have.
Public Opinion:
Many people have praised Mpoki for his courage in saying this in public and joined him in wondering about the failure to arrest the suspects in MC Pilipili's murder. Citizens have shown dissatisfaction with the accountability of security organs regarding abduction and murder incidents of civilians, saying there might be involvement of these organs in those events.
Additionally, others have said artists should condemn these events at all times and not just when a fellow artist is subjected to such acts, because no one is safe, even if the Government has used them to persuade citizens to accept politicians, as even they can be abducted or killed if they are no longer helpful to them.
In a matter that surprised many, the former Speaker of Parliament, Tulia Ackson, was present at the funeral. Tulia said Pilipili's death has shocked many and that it is a lesson for people to live well with others in society because you do not know who will accompany you on your final journey. Many have questioned, Is this when Tulia is shocked, But she was not shocked when the Police killed youths during the Election. She managed to go to Pilipili's funeral, but why did she fail even to condemn the killings committed by the Police during the Election?
President Samia has officially launched the Commission of Inquiry into 'Breach of Peace Events' during and after the Election, stating that it was formed in accordance with the law that empowers her to establish a special commission to investigate sensitive national issues. She noted the goal is to conduct an internal investigation before involving external teams.
In her speech at Chamwino State House, Dodoma, on November 20, President Samia outlined the main areas of investigation, including: the root cause of the violence, claims regarding the youth who took to the streets, statements by opposition parties, the participation of local and foreign civil society organizations (NGOs), allegations that these NGOs paid youth before the demonstrations, and the relationship between opposition parties and the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The President stated that the work of this Commission will lay the foundation for the Reconciliation she promised within 100 days of taking office, and the recommendations provided will guide subsequent actions. She noted that the preliminary investigation is expected to be completed within three months, although the timeframe may be adjusted depending on circumstances.
Public Opinion:
Many have stated that the so-called 'investigation' seems pre-determined, given the terms of reference provided by President Samia, which list all the areas the Commission is required to investigate. These directives imply they are not supposed to deviate from them, suggesting the Commission was formed to complete a schedule rather than conduct a genuine investigation.
Some have said the President wants to kill major NGOs in the country that have been at the forefront of defending citizens' interests and ensuring their human rights are protected, by claiming protesters were paid to cause violence. They argue this is a lie, as citizens went out to demonstrate against oppressive measures that violate human rights principles and free elections.
Additionally, others have questioned the truth regarding the Government's statements about the protesters. Initially, they said those causing violence were 'citizens from outside'; later, they said those who died were 'citizens from outside'; then they claimed many who demonstrated were 'following the crowd'; and now they say the youth were 'paid to cause violence'!
Citizens claim this is arrogance on the part of the President and her Government, ignoring and failing to listen to citizens' complaints, and instead fabricating lies to dismantle those complaints.
EU Parliament Committees Object to €156 Million Funding for Tanzania Amid 'Democratic Backsliding'
Committees within the European Parliament have formally opposed the European Commission's proposal to provide €156 million (approx. Sh438.7 billion) in development funding to Tanzania for the year 2026. This significant objection was finalized on Thursday through a joint vote by the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) and the Committee on Development (DEVE). The motion passed with an overwhelming majority: 53 votes in favor of the objection, two against, and one abstention.
The primary drivers behind this move are serious concerns regarding the state of democracy in the East African nation. European officials cited alleged "democratic backsliding" and violent unrest in the aftermath of Tanzania's recent general Election as the central reasons for their opposition. David McAllister, chair of the Foreign Affairs committee, emphasized that the EU cannot move forward with funding based on documentation that overlooks alleged repression, fraudulent electoral processes, and authoritarian governance.
This legislative action follows a statement issued three weeks prior by the European Union, which expressed deep concern regarding the events surrounding the October 29, 2025, general elections. The EU had previously noted reliable reports of fatalities and a distinct lack of a level playing field leading up to the polls. At the time, they explicitly urged Tanzanian authorities to release detained politicians and conduct thorough investigations into reported incidents of violence, abductions, and disappearances.
While this objection serves as a stern warning regarding the international community's view of Tanzania's governance, it does not legally force an immediate halt to the disbursement of funds. The vote acts as a powerful political signal to the European Commission rather than an automatic veto. It highlights the growing friction between the Parliament's stance on human rights compliance and the Commission's planned financial implementations under the NDICI-Global Europe Regulation.
Public Opinion:
Many Tanzanians, especially across social media, have supported the EU's steps to suspend funding to Tanzania due to the suppression of human rights, backsliding of democracy, incidents of abduction and killings, and the oppression of the opposition. Citizens added that after the European Parliament set an example, others may follow, which could help increase pressure on Samia and her Government to be accountable for the events that occurred during the Election.
Some have expressed fear of losing aid from Europe and other Western countries, leading to a decrease in government revenue, which will affect ordinary citizens more and increase the cost of living, as the Government might introduce taxes that will burden them.
Community of Islamic Institutions condemns election violence; urges Muslim youth not to participate in December 9 demonstrations
The Community of Islamic Institutions in the country, which falls under the National Muslim Council of Tanzania (BAKWATA), has strongly condemned the violent events that occurred during and after the Election, stating they have brought grief and loss to families, society, and the nation. In a statement issued on November 20 in Dar es Salaam and presented by Sheikh Mussa Kundecha, they said voting began peacefully in many areas before violence broke out in some areas.
Sheikh Kundecha said they support the national reconciliation agenda led by President Samia, but emphasized that Reconciliation should not be used to hide crime; all those involved in violence should be identified, and the innocent should be protected. They also urged Tanzanians to maintain solidarity and avoid words or actions that could incite division.
Furthermore, they urged Muslim youth to stay home on December 9 and engage in worship rather than attend gatherings that risk causing chaos. They urged Tanzanians to use legal procedures to demand their rights when compelled to do so.
Public Opinion:
Many reactions express anger and criticism toward the community's statement, accusing them of being used by the ruling party and the Government to prevent demonstrations, insisting that demonstrating is their constitutional right and that they cannot be stopped if they wish to do so.
Others say there have been excessive statements from religious leaders, appearing like a "campaign," stating this is happening after the government and ruling party realized they cannot use artists to convey their agendas due to citizens' anger toward them, a matter that endangers national security by sparking religious conflicts.
Additionally, others viewed the statement as a way to cool down citizens after Muslim clerics said they would "cut off the heads" of citizens who would go out to demonstrate on December 9, showing great religious hatred against Christians and especially Catholics.
On the other hand, citizens have continued to educate and mobilize each other not to accept being divided and entering into religious conflicts, as that is precisely what the Government, the President, and the ruling party want to happen, so they can avoid accountability for the killings that occurred during the Election.
Prime Minister meets and holds talks with Father Kitima
PM Mwigulu Nchemba met with the Secretary General of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), Father Charles Kitima, at the Prime Minister's Sub-office in Magogoni, Dar es Salaam, on November 20. However, the purpose of the conversation has not been made public.
Public Opinion:
Many have tried to guess the purpose of the meeting, with some saying the Government has called the leader to smooth over the ongoing tension among religious leaders, as it could cause significant harm.
Additionally, others have said that reconciliation efforts may have begun with influential religious leaders, emphasizing that TEC is principled, and believe there is no peace without justice, and that justice does not come without accountability.
CAF awards Samia a Special Award
President Samia has been awarded a Special Award by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in recognition of her contributions to soccer. The award was presented on November 19 in Rabat, Morocco, during the CAF Awards 2025 ceremony. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports and Chief Government Spokesperson, Gerson Msigwa, received the award on behalf of the President.
Public Opinion:
Many have ridiculed the award, saying Samia does not deserve it because she has been using sports, especially soccer, to boost her political popularity and get sports fans to vote for her. They also say that many acts of human rights violations in the country prove she did not deserve the award.
Two kidnapped at different times in Arusha; one is a CHADEMA cadre
Two abduction incidents have occurred in the City of Arusha involving people in civilian clothes carrying weapons. In the first incident, Victor Ndibalema (a CHADEMA member) was abducted by people who forcibly removed him in a Land Cruiser vehicle, claiming they were taking him to the Central Police Station. Still, when followed up by family and CHADEMA leaders, he was not found at any Police station.
In the second incident, another young man was abducted at the 'Stendi ya Mtei' area in Arusha by people with firearms. The name of this young man was not immediately obtained.
Public Opinion:
Many have complained that thugs with firearms are abducting people freely, while state organs, especially the Police, are either collaborating or doing nothing to stop these events. This situation is described as starting to be considered normal against citizens, making Tanzania increasingly appear to be no longer a safe place.
Others have questioned the sources of heavy weapons that abductors have been seen with, saying perhaps the claims of a container of weapons being imported into the country by the President's son (Abdul) to 'deal with' government critics were true.
Additionally, some have called on citizens to cooperate to eradicate these incidents by attacking the abductors when they try to leave with a person, instead of standing aside and watching their fellows being abducted, because no one is safe.
Mpoki: I was expecting that, as we are burying, MC Pilipili's murderers would be in jail
Comedian Mujuni Sylivery (popularly known as Mpoki) has accused the Police of failing to arrest the suspects in MC Pilipili's murder by the time of his burial.
Mpoki expressed his disappointment that it was his expectation that the suspects would be in jail during the funeral, stating that this is possible, as others have been arrested within just one day. He wondered why it was difficult for those who killed MC Pilipili when there was a person who could be a starting point for the investigation!
Additionally, Mpoki emphasized that some leaders appeared not to be close to artists during challenges, explaining how they avoided MC Pilipili when he sought their help. He advised leaders to answer calls from artists and provide help instead of staying away, as it is they (the artists) who helped them until they obtained the leadership positions they have.
Public Opinion:
Many people have praised Mpoki for his courage in saying this in public and joined him in wondering about the failure to arrest the suspects in MC Pilipili's murder. Citizens have shown dissatisfaction with the accountability of security organs regarding abduction and murder incidents of civilians, saying there might be involvement of these organs in those events.
Additionally, others have said artists should condemn these events at all times and not just when a fellow artist is subjected to such acts, because no one is safe, even if the Government has used them to persuade citizens to accept politicians, as even they can be abducted or killed if they are no longer helpful to them.
In a matter that surprised many, the former Speaker of Parliament, Tulia Ackson, was present at the funeral. Tulia said Pilipili's death has shocked many and that it is a lesson for people to live well with others in society because you do not know who will accompany you on your final journey. Many have questioned, Is this when Tulia is shocked, But she was not shocked when the Police killed youths during the Election. She managed to go to Pilipili's funeral, but why did she fail even to condemn the killings committed by the Police during the Election?
