‘Tanzania is one, indivisible’

DAR ES SALAAM: THE waiting is over as the Independent Commission of Inquiry into breach of peace during and few days after the October 29th, 2025 General Election presents its report to President Samia Suluhu Hassan today, revealing the truth behind the electoral incidents and charting sound recommendations for lasting peace.

The great milestone in search for justice and truth comes after 153 days of collecting and analysing evidence from more than 63,000 people from various parts of the country.

It is intended to pave the way for national healing and reconciliation as well as shedding light on what transpired during the incidents, their impact on lives and property, as well as the underlying causes.

Speaking to the Daily News yesterday, seasoned historian and political analyst, Mr Fredrick Pundo said the credibility of the long-awaited report hinges on truth as the foundation for justice, providing relief to citizens, while opening new avenues for dialogue and national understanding.

“We believe that the Commission will present relevant facts that uphold justice and trust. The distinguished members, who have previously served in top government positions, have thoroughly examined the evidence,” Mr Pundo said.

He added that Tanzanians expect the report to present factual information that will help heal the nation and pave the way for reconciliation and lasting peace.

Mr Pundo also commended the leadership and academic credentials of the Commission members, including Chairperson and retired Chief Justice of the High Court of Tanzania, Mohamed Chande Othman. He noted that the integrity of the members would ensure the authenticity of the report and secure their place in the country’s history.

“History will remember the members of the Commission if they deliver a credible and relevant report,” he said. He further noted that the report revives memories of the October 29 breach of peace, with its credibility expected to play a crucial role in shedding light on the events, fostering national healing, cohesion and public trust, and contributing to a new era of Tanzanian politics grounded in respect for the rule of law.

The historian emphasised that for the first time since independence, Tanzania experienced such a tragic breach of peace in October 2025, underscoring the urgent need for citizens to address their differences to restore calm and national unity.

He urged Tanzanians to preserve peace regardless of the report’s findings to ensure continued national solidarity and tranquillity.

For his part, Tabernacle Gospel Church (TGC) Lake Zone Bishop Robert Bundala expressed confidence in the Commission’s work, noting that the more than 63,000 submissions provided a solid basis for thorough analysis in the search for truth.

He said the distinguished academic and leadership backgrounds of the Commission members would ensure the report remains objective, impartial and free from emotional bias.

In that regard, Bishop Bundala, who also serves as Secretary of the Mwanza Regional Peace Committee, encouraged Tanzanians to embrace the report as a foundation for national healing and mutual understanding.

He urged religious believers to uphold unity and forgiveness in order to build lasting peace for both present and future generations.

“Tanzania is one. I encourage fellow Tanzanians to forgive one another and live in peace,” Bishop Bundala said.

Public Administration and Governance expert at the Institute of Accountancy Arusha (IAA), Dr Adam Mnyavanu, said the report would play a fundamental role in strengthening peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding among citizens.

He noted that beyond uncovering the root causes of the October electoral incidents, the Commission would also reveal the extent of the impact on citizens and the nation as a whole.

Political analyst Mr Yonah Mapury echoed similar sentiments, expressing confidence that the Commission, comprising renowned diplomats and legal experts would deliver the desired outcomes.

The Commission, chaired by retired Chief Justice Mohamed Chande Othman, began its 90-day mandate on November 20 last year. Due to the substantial volume of evidence, its timeline was extended twice, first by 42 days and later by 21 days, bringing the total duration to 153 days.

Other Commission members include former Chief Justice Professor Ibrahim Juma, former Chief Secretary Ambassador Ombeni Sefue, Ambassador (retired) Radhia Msuya, Ambassador (retired) Lieutenant General Paul Mella, former Inspector General of Police Said Mwema, Ambassador David Kapya, Ambassador George Madafa and former Executive Secretary of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Dr Stergomena Tax.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan established the Commission under powers granted by Section 3 of the Commission of Inquiry Act, Chapter 32.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Commission’s Chairperson, Mr Othman, said the report would pave the way for national healing and reconciliation.

He noted that the document addresses all terms of reference, shedding light on what transpired during the incidents, including their impact on lives and property, as well as their root causes.

“The report answers all the terms of reference. It presents what we found, what happened and our recommendations,” Mr Othman said.

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He added that an accurate historical record is essential to prevent future misinformation.

Mr Othman said the report is the result of extensive evidence gathered from 63,603 respondents through a transparent and participatory process that covered 21 districts in 11 regions.