CHADEMA rejects President Samia’s inquiry into Tanzania election unrest, demands international probe

Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), has rejected the commission formed by President Samia Suluhu to investigate alleged breaches of peace during and after the October 29, 2025, General Election, saying it does not recognise the team or its mandate.

In a statement on Wednesday, party Vice Chairman John Heche said the President lacks political, legal and moral legitimacy to convene a body tasked with investigating actions it claims were orchestrated by her administration.

“Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) wants to inform the people of Tanzania and the international community that we do not recognise the Commission of Inquiry appointed by Samia Suluhu Hassan, who imposed herself in power without the consent of the people and chaired by former Chief Justice Mohamed Chande Othman, with instructions to investigate ‘breaches of peace’ that allegedly occurred during and after the October 29, 2025 General Election,” Heche said.

Heche argued that the appointment violates democratic standards, citing reports from the African Union (AU) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) election observers.

“Our position is based on the fact that the appointing authority, Ms Samia Suluhu Hassan, lacks political, legal, and moral legitimacy. She imposed herself as President through a process that was not free, not fair, not transparent, and fell far below democratic standards,” he said.

Samia established the commission under the leadership of retired Chief Justice Mohamed Chande Othman, alongside seven members with experience in law, diplomacy, security and regional governance, to examine the causes and circumstances of the post-election unrest.

Members include Professor Ibrahim Juma, Ambassador Ombeni Sefue, Ambassador Radhia Msuya, Lt. Gen. Paul Meela, Retired Inspector General Said Ally Mwema, Ambassador David Kapya, and Dr Stergomena Tax. No timeline for the commission’s report has been disclosed.

Heche criticised the structure of the commission, saying under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 2002, it operates entirely under the President’s directives and discretion.

“The President has full power to decide whether the commission’s report will be published or suppressed, whether it will be made public or withheld. This means the commission cannot be independent or impartial, especially in a situation where the government is the primary suspect in the crimes being investigated,” he said.

He added that the commission is comprised of government officials or ruling party members who have been central actors in the crisis, some allegedly involved in human rights violations.

“It is impossible for a perpetrator to investigate themselves and expect justice. The regime under Samia Suluhu Hassan is responsible for killings, abductions, torture, rape, persecution and widespread violations of human rights. All individuals appointed to this commission are either current or former government officials or CCM members, a direct violation of the principle that an independent commission must have no ties whatsoever to the government or the ruling party,” he said.

According to Chadema, the government-appointed commission is intended to obscure the truth and repress dissent.

“This is not an independent commission; it is a scheme to hide the truth, erase evidence, and further harm the victims. What is being labelled as an investigation into ‘breaches of peace’ is in reality an attempt to turn victims into offenders while sanitising the real perpetrators. The intention is to intensify the repression of free voices and legitimise an authoritarian regime that lacks the consent of the people,” Heche said.

The party has now called for an international investigation, noting that the government must allow such an investigation to be conducted under the oversight of an international body without fear, threats or interference.

“CHADEMA insists on the establishment of a Truly Independent International Commission, with the capacity, professionalism, authority and credibility to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into killings, crimes against humanity, and gross violations of fundamental rights committed under the regime of Samia Suluhu Hassan,” the party said.

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Heche appealed to global institutions, including the United Nations and its Security Council (UNSC), the International Criminal Court (ICC), regional and international human rights mechanisms, friendly nations and all pro-democracy stakeholders, to take urgent steps to pressure the Samia administration and CCM to permit an independent international investigation.

“There can be no peace without justice. There can be no legitimacy without the consent of the people. A perpetrator cannot sit in judgment of their own crimes,” Chadema said.

Chadema noted that it will continue to stand firmly with the people of Tanzania until justice is achieved and all those responsible for crimes against humanity are held to account.

Amid the political tension, security alerts have been issued, warning citizens and visitors of ongoing risks in Tanzania, citing arrests, acts of violence and reports of mass casualties in hospitals and other locations. The Patriotic and Concerned Citizens group urged travellers to take precautions, particularly ahead of nationwide demonstrations planned for December 9, 2025.