Tanzania to 'review and verify' CNN claims of mass graves, shootings

The Tanzanian government says it is reviewing a damning CNN investigation that alleges security forces fatally shot unarmed protesters and buried victims in what appear to be mass graves following the country’s disputed October 29 presidential election.

In a public notice issued on November 21, the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports said authorities had “taken note” of the documentary and were in the process of “reviewing and verifying the contents.”

“The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania has taken note of a documentary recently published by CNN regarding the events of October 29, 2025. The Government is currently reviewing and verifying the contents of the documentary. An official response will be issued upon completion of this assessment,” the notice reads.

According to CNN, its investigation found that police and armed men shot at groups of protesters in the wake of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s re-election, with many victims appearing unarmed or carrying only rocks and sticks.

The documentary, based on geolocated videos, audio forensic analysis, satellite imagery and testimonies from witnesses, alleges that morgues in Dar es Salaam and Mwanza became overwhelmed with bodies. It also reports signs of what may be mass graves in Kondo cemetery, north of Dar es Salaam, an area where satellite images showed recently disturbed soil consistent with reports from human rights groups and eyewitnesses.

The investigation also details severe injuries among survivors, including gunshot wounds to the head, chest and abdomen, with doctors describing bodies being “piled” outside a hospital morgue after it became full.

Some families told CNN they recognised missing relatives in footage circulating online, contradicting earlier government denials that any killings had occurred.

CNN further reports that hundreds of civilians may have been killed, citing information from the United Nations Human Rights Office. The unrest followed a nationwide curfew, an internet blackout, and restrictions on sharing images that could “cause panic.”

Last week, President Samia acknowledged some casualties but did not provide figures and launched a commission to investigate the unrest, while also suggesting that some protesters may have been paid.

CNN reported that the Tanzanian government and police did not respond to requests for comment.

The commission was formed under the authority of the 2023 Commissions of Inquiry Act, Chapter 32.

Chaired by retired Chief Justice Mohamed Chande Othman, the panel has been given three months to complete its work. It is mandated to investigate all incidents of unrest linked to the elections, assess the roles of political parties, civil society, and youth involvement, and make recommendations to prevent future violence.

“We must also look at the role of political parties and our non-governmental organisations, both domestic and foreign. We are told that the youths who took to the streets were paid,” President Samia said.

“They were paid money first, that’s when they went to the streets. And many of them went to the streets with the money they were given. Where did the money come from? So, let us look into that.”

The president emphasised the need to understand the purpose of the youths’ actions and whether they were genuinely seeking justice. She also instructed the commission to scrutinise statements made by political opponents.

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