Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan has announced an official investigation into the unrest that erupted during election week, amidst accusations that her government was behind the violent crackdown on historic protests.
Declared the winner of last month's presidential poll with an unprecedented 98% of the vote, which the opposition has condemned as a mockery of democracy, at least 240 individuals have faced charges of treason following the protests.
In addition to the inquiry commission, President Samia has urged prosecutors to demonstrate leniency towards those arrested in connection with the violence. Quoting the Bible, she stated: Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.
These comments come shortly after UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called on Tanzanian authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into alleged killings and gross human rights violations that occurred during and after the elections on October 29.
Reports suggest that hundreds may have died in the unrest, yet the authorities have not released a confirmed death toll. The violence has shocked a nation known for its stability and calm.
During her address to parliament, President Samia encouraged prosecutors to reconsider charges against individuals who might not have fully comprehended their involvement in the protests. Many young people have been arrested and charged with treason. They did not fully understand what they were getting involved in, she remarked, emphasizing her role as a mother and guardian of this nation.
Samia called for political parties to engage in discussions about conducting politics without causing national harm and reaffirmed her commitment to kick-starting a constitution-making process.
The recent protests were largely fueled by young activists, drawing parallels with global youth-led movements against entrenched governance and unresponsive administration.
Analysts highlight that while the unrest represents an unprecedented shift for Tanzania, it was preceded by a volatile political landscape, characterized by stalled reforms, pervasive youth dissatisfaction, and sustained oppression of opposition figures. In the lead-up to the election, the ruling CCM party had systematically stifled credible competition, blocking the two main opposition leaders from contesting, leading to their current predicaments of detention and candidacy rejection.
President Samia's initial approach to leadership garnered both domestic and international admiration, as she permitted opposition rallies and critiques without severe repercussions. However, as the election drew closer, a wave of abductions, arrests, and the brutal killings of opposition members swept through the country, extinguishing hopes for political reform.
