Tanzania: Summary of Key Events - November 25, 2025

[JF Summary]

202 Treason Suspects Released in Dar es Salaam and Arusha; 18 Remanded​

A total of 198 out of 216 defendants facing treason charges following election-related protests were released today, November 25, 2025, at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate's Court in Dar es Salaam. The release followed the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) stating that he had no intention of continuing with the proceedings.

Among those returned to remand custody are businesswoman Jenifer Jovin (known as Niffer) and Mika Lucas Chavala, producer of the Swahili Nation (SN) program. The reasons for their continued detention were not disclosed.

In Arusha, the Resident Magistrate's Court acquitted and released four defendants charged with treason, including journalist Godfrey Ng'omba and three male minors aged 13, 16, and 17, after the DPP dropped the charges. This follows yesterday's events (November 24), when 24 other defendants were released in the region under one-year supervision, with conditions requiring them to report to the police monthly.

Public Opinion:
Many view this move as a strategy to mitigate the intensity of demonstrations reportedly planned for December 9 by portraying the government as caring and compassionate. However, many youths on social media have stated this will not deter them from participating in the Independence Day protests, particularly noting that some individuals, like Niffer, remain in custody.

Some have criticized Millard Ayo, owner of Ayo TV, for his silence during the period when his employee was arrested and charged. Critics argue he prioritizes his relationship with the government and its leaders—whom he reportedly "cleanses" in public—over his staff's welfare.

Lawyers File Case Against President Samia at the International Criminal Court (ICC)​

An international coalition of lawyers and human rights groups has formally requested the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her senior officials. The request centers on allegations of crimes against humanity reportedly committed during the general election on October 29, including civilian deaths during post-election protests.

This development comes one week after President Samia launched a Commission of Inquiry into the violence, in which she accused opposition parties and both local and foreign civil society organizations of instigating the unrest.

Concurrently, the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, through Senator Jeanne Shaheen, has expressed grave concern regarding killings and police brutality during the Tanzanian election. Referencing a CNN investigation that presented evidence of a mass grave—implying an attempt to conceal human rights violations—the Committee has called for an immediate independent investigation.

Public Opinion:
Many citizens have expressed joy and hope that Justice will finally be served for those involved in the killings and human rights violations during the election. They have commended foreign media for amplifying Tanzanians' voices and exposing the realities of events.

Additionally, some have suggested that, beyond condemnation and statements, foreign governments should impose sanctions on government leaders—such as travel bans and asset freezes—to pressure them into accountability for the killings.

Mwigulu: October 29 Violence Incited by Diaspora; Protesters Were Armed and Didn't Speak Swahili​

Speaking to media editors in Dar es Salaam on November 25, Prime Minister Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba stated that the violence during the election caused the deaths of civilians and police officers, as well as significant property damage. He offered condolences to bereaved families, emphasizing that "shedding innocent blood is not a blessing for the country."

He alleged that the protests were unusual, claiming participants were heavily armed and did not speak Swahili, suggesting the presence of foreign nationals. He claimed the incitement came from individuals living abroad who are paid to destabilize Tanzania.

Dr. Nchemba warned that the government would use all force and resources to protect national security. He noted that the government could not release the death toll at this time, as people are still mourning, and citing numbers would be akin to "celebrating" the deaths.

He insisted that the Commission of Inquiry, led by Retired Justice Mohamed Chande, is composed of experienced legal experts, urging Tanzanians to support President Samia's reconciliation efforts to restore calm. He also warned citizens against falling into the trap of "economic sabotage" by participating in the planned December 9 protests and cautioned negligent and corrupt public servants.

While he did not provide a death toll, Dr. Nchemba provided a preliminary assessment of property damage, stating that 756 government offices, 26 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations, 159 police stations, 672 fuel stations, 1,642 private vehicles, 2,268 private motorcycles, and 976 government vehicles were burned.

Editors were allowed to ask questions, including inquiries about abductions, police "shoot-to-kill" orders, the election death toll, and the denial of bodies to grieving families. While the Prime Minister responded, he did not directly answer these specific queries.

Public Opinion:
Many have complained that citing property damage without releasing the death toll—under the guise of humanity and compassion—is an attempt to minimize the severity of the human rights violations. Furthermore, citing the high volume of destroyed property is seen by some as a fabrication of statistics intended to justify the "evil" of the protests and discourage public support for future demonstrations.

While some praised editors for asking tough questions, others suspect the interaction was staged, with the Prime Minister prepared with emotional responses to convince the public of his empathy, despite the government's consistent avoidance of the topics of abductions and election-related deaths. The uniformity of the "tough questions" was perceived by some as lacking authenticity, especially given a recent admission by a Clouds TV journalist that media houses failed to report election events due to fear of closure or job loss. Consequently, the session is viewed by some as a government PR exercise to project press freedom.

Tanzania: EU Parliament "Unfair" for Discussing Election Killings and Lissu Case Without Hearing Our Side​

The Government of Tanzania has sent a formal complaint to the European Parliament regarding its plan to hold a session discussing post-election killings, the deterioration of human rights, and the case of opposition leader Tundu Lissu, without allowing the government to explain its position.

The government cited the Samoa Agreement, which stipulates that dialogue precede such measures and emphasizes the right of the concerned party to be heard. It further stated that it has already established a National Commission to investigate the events and reassured the EU of its commitment to democracy and the rule of law.

The Tanzanian Embassy has requested that the European Parliament reschedule the session to allow the government to present its stance. If the schedule does not permit this, they have asked that MPs enable the government to be heard during the next session.

Public Opinion:
Many citizens have questioned why the government demands the right to be heard by the EU when it allegedly neither listens to nor protects its own citizens. They argue that citizens have consistently demanded Justice, only to be told that Peace brings Justice; if that is true, they suggest the government should not ask the EU for Justice (the right to be heard), but rather urge the European Parliament to "have peace."

Others have urged the European Parliament not to entertain Tanzania's arguments regarding the "independent" commission, arguing that it is populated by ruling party (CCM) officials and former government leaders who are part of the systemic problem. Consequently, they believe the commission's outcome will not be fair, independent, or capable of holding perpetrators accountable.