Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Following the political unrest and violence that rocked Tanzania on October 29 and 30, 2025, leaders from religious institutions, the government, and an independent commission have issued significant statements, each offering a perspective on the country’s path to recovery. The events, which left numerous citizens injured and some dead, have sparked intense national debate over accountability, justice, and reconciliation.
Church Condemns Violence, Demands Truth
The Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) was among the first to respond, issuing a strong condemnation of the violence. TEC’s statement emphasized the sanctity of human life and called for leaders to publicly acknowledge the killings.
Speaking on behalf of the Church, Father Dr. Charles Kitima, Secretary-General of TEC, stressed that reconciliation without first admitting the truth is meaningless. “Leaders must acknowledge that citizens were killed by firearms. Without this acknowledgment, any attempt at reconciliation is like healing a wound without removing the cause,” he said.
Father Kitima criticized the delay in government accountability and rejected claims that the unrest was merely driven by youth paid to protest, stating that the root causes are deeper and stem from citizens’ disillusionment with political systems. He emphasized that human life must be prioritized over property or political expediency.
President Samia Calls for Peace and Patriotism
President Samia Suluhu Hassan addressed elders in Dar es Salaam, urging unity, peace, and national self-healing. While condemning the violence, she stressed that the unrest did not reflect Tanzanian culture or traditions. “Every person who was harmed or lost their life is one of our fellow Tanzanians. The right to live and the right to freedom are values we all share,” she said, commending elders for promoting generosity, gentleness, and solidarity.
The President highlighted that the unrest had been instigated by politically motivated individuals and financially supported by others, but she emphasized that these incidents should not overshadow the country’s need for unity and development. She further called on citizens to protect national resources, including the coastline, lakes, fertile land, and minerals, for the benefit of all Tanzanians.
President Samia also announced the creation of a Ministry of Youth to address youth issues comprehensively, ensuring they are not manipulated to destabilize the nation. Religious leaders were urged to lead in safeguarding peace and national cohesion. “The essence of religion lies in our hearts. No single faith should undermine our nation,” she stated.
Commission of Inquiry: Investigating the Violence
In parallel, an independent Commission of Inquiry, chaired by retired Chief Justice Mohammed Chande, has been tasked with investigating the causes and consequences of the October unrest. The nine-member commission includes national and international experts, former ambassadors, and retired security officials.
The Commission’s mandate covers six core areas: identifying the root causes, investigating the intended objectives of perpetrators, assessing the social and economic impact, reviewing government responses, recommending systemic improvements, and examining any other relevant issues. While the Commission lacks criminal jurisdiction, it is responsible for collecting accurate evidence, conducting interviews, reviewing documentation, and ensuring transparency where possible.
Justice Chande emphasized the Commission’s independence and commitment to thorough investigation. “We will leave no stone unturned. Our focus is on credible evidence and national healing, even if it means scrutinizing powerful authorities or institutions,” he said. The Commission has a 90-day mandate, which it acknowledges is a challenging timeframe for such a comprehensive investigation.
The responses from TEC, President Samia, and the Commission highlight the tension between justice and reconciliation in Tanzania. TEC prioritizes acknowledgment of the truth and accountability, viewing the killings as a fundamental violation of human life and demanding a full reckoning. President Samia emphasizes unity, patriotism, and national-led healing, warning against external interference but acknowledging political motivations behind the unrest. Meanwhile, the Commission is tasked with investigating the root causes of the violence and reporting findings that will influence future reconciliation, potential reforms, and institutional accountability.
Key issues remain unresolved: the exact number of deaths and injuries, the source of gunfire, the role of political actors, and the evidence surrounding alleged financial inducements of youth participation. How the Commission addresses these issues will determine both the credibility of its report and the prospects for sustainable peace in Tanzania.
As Tanzania navigates the aftermath of the October unrest, three principles emerge: justice, transparency, and national healing. Citizens, religious leaders, and political authorities alike must balance accountability with reconciliation. The Commission’s findings, coupled with continued engagement from government and civic actors, will be critical in guiding the nation toward lasting peace, unity, and institutional trust.
Key Question: Will the Commission confront the full truth, even if it implicates powerful authorities, or will its recommendations focus primarily on systemic reforms and reconciliation measures? The answer will shape Tanzania’s path forward.
