Tell Tanzanians the truth: Why Inquiry Commission’s report matters?

DAR ES SALAAM: EVERYONE has their comfort zone. Nations do too. Tanzania’s comfort zone has, over time, been shaped quietly in the hearts of wananchi – a shared sense of calm, order and coexistence.

But wananchi are not all the same, especially in current times. What brings comfort to one may unsettle another.

These differences cut across social groups, political affiliations, institutions, and generations. Harmonising such diverse expectations is never an easy task.

And yet, moments arise when a nation must confront itself. We now stand at more than a crossroads.

We are at the edge of a river – and we must cross. What, then, defines Tanzania?

It is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of a deliberate national character – one that has, time and again, chosen calm over chaos, dialogue over division, and unity over fragmentation.

Ours is a nation that does not rush to react, but takes time to reflect; a nation that trusts in institutions, values collective progress, and carries a quiet but enduring commitment to peace and stability.

Moments such as this call for a return to that identity – not in words, but in action.

There is a need to speak honestly – especially to the younger generation.

In his song Babylon System, Bob Marley urges the conscious to “tell the children the truth.”

In our context, every Tanzanian is a child of this nation. And every citizen who can listen must now hear the truth. Tanzania has no option but to protect what defines her.

We have long been known for peace – let peace prevail above our differences. We have been known for brotherhood – let each of us remain our brother’s keeper.

We have been recognised for steady economic progress – let that progress continue.

We have upheld national interests in managing our natural resources – let that spirit endure.

We have made strides in agriculture – let it continue to feed our people and our neighbours. We have served as a reliable gateway to the region – let that trust and competitive edge remain intact.

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The list is long. But the message is simple: let us tell the truth about who we are. It is within this identity that the significance of the Commission of Inquiry must be understood.

Tanzanians still carry vivid memories of the events of 29 October 2025 and the days that followed.

For some, these are not abstract events – they are lived experiences marked by fear, uncertainty, loss and disruption of daily life. The Government responded by establishing a Commission of Inquiry to investigate what transpired.

That decision signalled a willingness to confront difficult questions through lawful and structured means.

The Commission’s report will, in time, be released. It may contain uncomfortable truths.

And that is precisely why the nation must be prepared to receive it.

Since those events, the public space has been filled with a wide range of information – some accurate, some misleading, and some driven by questionable motives.

Yet certain facts remain clear: there were losses of life, injuries, destruction of property, disruptions to movement, and constraints on essential services.

These are serious matters, and every right-minded citizen expects clarity supported by credible evidence. This is precisely why the Commission was established.

It is expected that the Commission’s report will be firmly grounded in sound methods of evidence collection and will accurately reflect the realities experienced across the population.

It is therefore concerning that, in some quarters, conclusions have already been drawn—before the report is even released.

In parallel, social media platforms have begun to circulate speculative narratives about what the report may contain, often in ways that appear intended to shape expectations or exert pressure on the Commission.

The basis upon which such positions are formed remains unclear, particularly in the absence of insight into the approaches or terms of reference guiding these claims.

It is regrettable that some may only be willing to accept findings that align with their expectations. Yet truth does not bend to preference, nor does it submit to convenience.

This is where national maturity is tested. The report – whatever its contents – must ultimately serve one purpose: to bring the country together. It must not become a tool for further division.

The responsibility to ensure this does not lie with institutions alone. It lies with all of us – citizens, leaders, media, and stakeholders alike.

Tanzania has demonstrated maturity before. This moment calls for that same maturity again.

The Government has already taken a step by establishing the Commission. Now, the test shifts to the people.

Many Tanzanians did not take part in the violence. Many desire nothing more than a return to stability and normalcy.

But there is a second test ahead: the ability to receive the findings with understanding before judgment, and with restraint before reaction.

Crossing the river requires more than movement – it requires direction.

It requires patience, clarity, and a shared sense of purpose. Above all, it requires truth.

A nation’s strength is not measured by the absence of difficult truths, but by its ability to receive them with wisdom and restraint.

That is the truth we must now embrace – not as individuals, but as a nation determined to move forward together.