Inquiry commission urges full public cooperation

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Commission of Inquiry into violence during and after the 2025 General Election has urged citizens to disregard any attempts to discourage them from submitting opinions, evidence, or information and instead cooperate fully to help uncover the truth surrounding the October 29 incident.

In a statement released recently, the commission revealed that certain individuals or groups are attempting to persuade citizens not to cooperate with the inquiry process.

The authority said such actions undermine efforts to establish truth and justice. The commission stressed that the attempts do not support the national process of examining what happened, learning from past mistakes and laying the foundation for lasting solutions and national healing.

“It has been established that there are individuals or groups encouraging citizens to withhold cooperation with the Commission of Inquiry, including refraining from providing opinions, evidence, or information in any form,” the statement reads.

It continues, “Such influence does not support national efforts to seek truth, justice, learn from past events and establish a foundation for a lasting solution. Citizens are therefore advised to ignore any attempts aimed at preventing their participation and instead submit their views and advice to the commission.”

The commission, which operates under the leadership of retired Chief Justice Mohammed Chande Othman, has also underscored that public participation is vital in uncovering the root causes of the incident, resolving them and taking appropriate action.

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“Through the voices of citizens, the nation can identify the challenges that emerged, address them and take measures to ensure such incidents do not recur in the future,” the statement reads.

It continues “The Commission of Inquiry exists for all Tanzanians and the success of its work depends on broad, voluntary and transparent participation by citizens. Peace, unity and a secure future for our nation are the responsibility of every one of us.” The commission is currently continuing to collect evidence through public hearings from victims affected during and after the October 2025 General Election.

It is hearing testimonies from individuals who were injured or who lost family members in the violence that erupted during and in the aftermath of the polls. These public hearings mark a shift from earlier closed-door sessions, during which the Commission met with various individuals and stakeholders as part of its evidence-gathering process.

The Commission of Inquiry was established following widespread concern over reports of violence during and after the October 2025 General Election. Its mandate includes investigating the causes, nature and extent of the violence, identifying those responsible and assessing the response of state institutions, including security agencies.

In addition to receiving testimonies from victims, the commission is expected to hear from political leaders, security officials, civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders. Its findings will form the basis for recommendations aimed at promoting national reconciliation, strengthening democratic processes and ensuring the protection of citizens’ rights during future elections.

The Commission is expected to continue with both public and private sessions in the coming weeks as it compiles evidence from across the country. At the conclusion of its work, it will submit a comprehensive to the appointing authority, outlining its findings and recommendations.