Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan has announced an official investigation into the unrest that broke out during election week, following accusations that her government was responsible for violently crushing historic protests.
She was declared the winner of last month's presidential poll with 98% of the vote - a result the opposition has denounced as a mockery of democracy. At least 240 people were charged with treason after the protests.
As well as the commission of inquiry, President Samia has also asked prosecutors to show leniency towards those arrested in connection with the violence.
Quoting the Bible, she said: Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.
Her remarks come just days after the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, urged Tanzanian authorities to conduct a full and transparent investigation into reports of killings and other serious human rights violations during and after the 29 October elections.
Hundreds may have died in post-election unrest, according to the opposition. The authorities are yet to release an official death toll.
The violence was shocking for a nation that had cultivated an image of calm, consensus and order for nearly six decades.
During an address to parliament, President Samia urged prosecutors to consider reducing or dropping charges for individuals who were swept up in the unrest without fully understanding their actions.
I am aware that many young people have been arrested and charged with treason. They did not fully understand what they were getting involved in, she stated. As a mother and guardian of this nation, I am directing law-enforcement agencies, especially the DPP's office, to show leniency.
Samia also called on political parties to meet and discuss how to conduct politics without causing harm to the country. She reaffirmed her commitment to initiating a new constitution-making process.
The protests, organised by young people, drew parallels with global Gen Z mobilisations against entrenched leadership and unresponsive governments.
Analysts noted that while the unrest was unprecedented for Tanzania, it was preceded by a tense political climate marked by stalled reforms, years of simmering youth anger, power tussles within the ruling party, and the sustained persecution of opposition leaders.
The CCM government systematically eliminated credible competition in the months preceding election day. The two main opposition leaders were barred from participating in last month's poll, with Tundu Lissu currently detained on treason charges he denies, while Luhaga Mpina was blocked on technical grounds.
During her first term, President Samia's leadership approach had been initially applauded for allowing opposition parties to organise rallies and criticise the government without facing severe repercussions.
However, as the election approached, a wave of abductions, arrests, and brutal killings of opposition members led to shattered hopes for reforms and reconciliation.
