Tanzania’s Samia Launches Commission to Probe Tanzania’s 2025 Election Violence

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has officially inaugurated the Presidential Commission of Inquiry tasked with investigating those responsible for violence and alleged violations of the law during and after the country’s October 2025 General Election.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony at the State House in Dar es Salaam on August 7, 2026, President Samia said the commission had been established to conduct a thorough investigation into the unrest, identify those responsible, determine what triggered the violence, and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in future elections.

“The commission, led by Justice Shabani Lila, includes six commissioners from different countries, including Uganda and Namibia. We decided to involve our colleagues from abroad so we can establish who was responsible, who incited the violence, and who financed it,” President Samia said.

She urged Tanzanians to cooperate fully with the commission and allow it to carry out its work without interference.

The commission, established under Tanzania’s Commissions of Inquiry Act (Cap. 32), has been mandated to investigate those who allegedly planned, financed, or encouraged the unrest that followed the 2025 elections, as well as any related violations of the law.

To strengthen the credibility and independence of the inquiry, the commission includes senior judges from outside Tanzania. Alongside chairperson Justice Shabani Lila, the panel includes six commissioners, among them Justice Barishaki Cheborion of Uganda and Deputy Chief Justice Petrus T. Damaseb of Namibia.

President Samia said the inclusion of international judges was intended to provide a broader and more impartial perspective during the investigation. She also thanked Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah for approving the participation of their senior judges.

The commission has been given five months to complete its investigation and submit a final report containing its findings and recommendations. However, President Samia said the deadline could be extended if more time is required.

“I am confident these judges will rely on their professionalism, experience and judicial oath to carry out this important responsibility with integrity, diligence and fairness,” she said.