UN confident in Tanzania inquiry
GENEVA: THE United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur, Gina Romero, has commended Tanzania for establishing an independent Commission of Inquiry into the October incidents.
Romero described the move as evidence of the country’s commitment to protecting human rights. She made the remarks in Geneva, Switzerland, on Thursday while presenting conclusions on the topic: Truth and Accountability in the Incidents Surrounding Tanzania’s 2025 General Election. In her remarks, Romero said the commission chaired by retired Chief Justice Mohamed Chande demonstrates Tanzania’s willingness to uphold human rights and undertake an independent investigation.
The commission was also earlier praised by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, during the opening of the 61st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva last week.
The commission has gained support due to the professionalism and integrity of Justice Chande, whom the UN has previously engaged in various investigations, including one into allegations of extrajudicial killings in El Fasher, Sudan.
Justice Chande also previously led an investigative panel into the plane crash that killed former UN Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld. T
he remarks come at a time when Amnesty International (AI) and Human Rights Watch (HRW) have been criticised over reports considered to be largely one-sided regarding the events of October 29 last year.
The Tanzanian government’s response followed what it described as inaccurate claims by the two organisations alleging excessive use of force in controlling electionrelated violence.
However, the government clarified the claims during the 61st Session of the UNHRC, where it received support from other stakeholders, including representatives from Zimbabwe, who questioned the professionalism and integrity of AI and HRW in preparing their reports.
In rejecting the allegations, the two organisations were criticised for producing reports allegedly influenced by political pressure rather than fairly representing both sides in order to establish the truth.
In its statement, the Tanzanian government accused the organisations of political bias, ignoring those who initiated and incited violence, failing to obtain accurate information and overlooking the role of security forces in protecting national security, citizens and the rule of law against those who attempted to disrupt the October 29 General Election.
The statement further noted that during the election period, social media was flooded with messages spreading hatred, violence and even seditious statements from some politicians, individuals and civil society organisations from within and outside the country.
Tanzania also questioned why these incidents were not reflected in reports issued by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.
In its presentation, Tanzania urged the two organisations to provide clear guidance and recommendations on the level of force that should have been used to protect lives and safeguard the rule of law and state authority against individuals who refused to comply with lawful orders.
Recently President Samia Suluhu Hassan said that the government is committed to ensure that investigations into the October 29th, 2025 incidents are conducted in accordance with the principles of the rule of law, accountability and justice.
She also said the country will continue to safeguard peace, national unity and political stability, which have long formed the foundation of Tanzania’s development.
President Samia made the remarks while receiving a message from Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres, delivered by the UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy Parfait Onanga-Anyanga at Chamwino State House in Dodoma.
Mr Onanga-Anyanga was in Tanzania to gather views from various stakeholders and assess measures taken by the government to strengthen political stability, national cohesion and adherence to the rule of law, following unrest reported during and after the 2025 General Election.
President Samia said the government is ready to receive and act on recommendations from the Independent Commission of Inquiry once it completes its work.
