A Hunt for masterminds…Samia launches commission to probe into election violence

DAR ES SALAAM: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan yesterday launched a Commission of Inquiry to investigate those responsible for violence and violations of the law committed during and after the 2025 General Election, pledging a comprehensive investigation to establish the truth and ensure accountability.

The six-member commission will investigate individuals who allegedly planned, financed, incited and participated in the unrest that followed the elections.

Speaking during the inauguration at the State House in Dar es Salaam, President Samia said the commission was established following recommendations of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry chaired by retired Chief Justice Mohamed Chande Othman, whose report was submitted on April 3 this year.

She said the earlier commission recommended a thorough investigation to identify those responsible for the incidents so that appropriate legal and administrative action could be taken.

The new commission, constituted under the Commissions of Inquiry Act (Chapter 32), is chaired by retired Court of Appeal Judge Shabani Ali Lila and comprises four Tanzanian commissioners, one commissioner from Uganda and another from Namibia.

President Samia said the inclusion of regional judges was intended to broaden the scope and credibility of the inquiry.

“We decided to involve our colleagues so that the commission can conduct a deeper investigation into who instigated the violence, who was involved and who provided the money, so that the truth about what happened in our country can be established,” she said.

ALSO READ: Tanzania launches the 8th NBD Forum with a call  for stronger ties among Nile Basin countries

She noted that Tanzania deliberately invited one judge from the East African Community (EAC) and another from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to contribute regional expertise and experience.

The President thanked Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah for allowing senior judges from their countries to serve on the commission.

“I sincerely thank our fellow Presidents for agreeing to release these judges to work together with our judges in this important assignment,” she said.

President Samia said the commission had been given clear terms of reference and an initial five-month period to complete its work and submit a report, adding that the government would consider extending the timeframe if justified.

She expressed confidence that the commissioners would execute their duties with professionalism, integrity and impartiality.

“I believe these judges will use their professionalism, experience and integrity to carry out this responsibility with diligence, commitment and accountability,” she said.

The President also urged all Tanzanians to cooperate with the commission by providing information and allowing it to carry out its work without interference.

“I urge all Tanzanians to provide the cooperation required by this commission. Let us help it carry out its work and not interfere with the execution of its responsibilities,” she said.

She thanked the chairperson and commissioners for accepting what she described as an important national assignment, expressing confidence that their findings would contribute to justice, accountability and national unity.