By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Tanzania, 19 November 2025 - Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), has firmly rejected the commission of inquiry appointed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan to investigate the deadly violence that followed the 29 October general election, describing it as “a political tool” designed to shield those in power from accountability.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the party said it would not recognise the inquiry team, led by retired Chief Justice Mohamed Chande Othman, arguing that a body selected by the President cannot credibly investigate abuses allegedly committed under her administration.
CHADEMA insists only an independent, internationally supervised investigation can bring justice to the families of those killed and injured during the election unrest, which also saw widespread destruction of property.
In the statement CHADEMA deputy party chair John Heche says that, “Our position is clear. There can be no peace without truth, and no legitimacy without the consent of the people. A suspect cannot investigate themselves and then expect citizens to trust the outcome.”
The party accused President Hassan of lacking the political and moral legitimacy to form such a commission, saying her re-election, which was declared at about 98%, fell far short of democratic standards.
It pointed to concerns raised by observers from the African Union and the Southern African Development Community, who noted an environment that limited competition and suppressed dissent.
CHADEMA also criticised the legal framework governing commissions of inquiry in Tanzania, noting that such bodies operate under the President’s authority and cannot publish findings without presidential approval.
“How can truth emerge, when the same government accused of abuses controls what is investigated, how it is investigated, and what is released to the public?”
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The party called on international organisations, including the United Nations, the International Criminal Court, and regional human rights commissions, to intervene and push for an independent probe that would guarantee transparency and witness protection.
“Our message is firm,” he wrote.
“There is no peace without justice; no legitimacy without the people’s consent; and no accused person can serve as the judge in their own case.”
CHADEMA vowed to stand with Tanzanians “until justice is done” for all victims of the 29 October 2025 election violence, urging the global community not to “turn its back on the truth.”
Rights groups have warned that the death toll, reported to be in the hundreds, may be higher than officially acknowledged.
