Dr Samia reveals major steps to promote national healing after Oct 29 riots
DODOMA: THE President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, has outlined major diplomatic and political steps aimed at promoting national healing and reconciliation following the unrest that accompanied last year’s general election.
Addressing ambassadors and heads of international organisations on January 15, 2026, during the Diplomatic Sherry Party held at Chamwino State House in Dodoma, President Samia said she had granted clemency to 1,787 individuals implicated in the violence of October 29, 2025. She described the move as part of the government’s broader strategy to restore calm, strengthen national unity, and reaffirm that the conflicts witnessed do not reflect the true character of Tanzanians.
“Allow me to quote the philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, who once said, ‘Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.’ In this context, as a nation, we understand the mistakes of the past, but our eyes are firmly fixed on the future,” President Samia said.
On the country’s political future, President Samia announced that she has established an Independent Commission of Inquiry and pledged to form a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which will serve as a foundation for the process toward a new Constitution. She said her second term will focus on reforming, rebuilding, and strengthening the nation through justice and dialogue.
On the economic front, the President emphasised that Economic Diplomacy will remain at the core of Tanzania’s foreign policy. She noted that the government will intensify efforts in the blue and green economy, digital technology, and the effective management of strategic resources such as natural gas and minerals to promote job creation and inclusive development for all.
