Tanzania Responds Forcefully to Claims of Election Violence Amid International Scrutiny
Geneva – The Tanzanian government has strongly refuted what it views as biased and unverified reports regarding the electoral unrest during the recent general elections. Officials argue that these claims fail to specify the individuals or groups allegedly involved in the incidents.
Tanzania’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) Office in Geneva, Dr. Abdallah Saleh Possi, addressed concerns during a recent session in Geneva. He emphasized that some of the statements made by representatives from countries such as Belgium, Norway, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Sweden, and Switzerland, as well as human rights organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, were lacking in clarity and context.
Dr. Possi recalled the events of October 29, 2025, when violence erupted in different regions of Tanzania. Reports indicated assaults on police stations, local government offices, and various public spaces, which led to widespread fear and disruption. He noted that the violence extended to attacks on citizens exercising their right to vote.
According to Dr. Possi, the disturbances were not isolated incidents. He described them as coordinated efforts aimed at destabilizing the constitutional order, asserting that such actions undermine the democratic process. He expressed the belief that maintaining a lawful election is crucial for political integrity, and attempts to disrupt this are not legitimate forms of political engagement.
The diplomat emphasized Tanzania’s sovereignty and its duty to safeguard not only peace and stability but also the rights and security of its citizens. He clarified that the actions taken by the government to prevent violence should be interpreted as fulfilling this crucial responsibility.
In response to the unrest, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has established an independent commission of inquiry composed of internationally recognized experts. Dr. Possi assured attendees that the commission is tasked with investigating the events surrounding the election thoroughly and impartially. He indicated that the commission would work autonomously to uncover the facts and recommend measures to avert similar situations in the future.
Dr. Possi also expressed gratitude for the supportive remarks from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights concerning the commission’s efforts. He emphasized that the commission’s findings, expected to be submitted by April 3, 2026, could pave the way for reconciliation and inform necessary constitutional reforms.
As the commission prepares to submit its report, Dr. Possi conveyed optimism that Tanzania would emerge stronger and more unified from this challenging period. He firmly stated that violence has no place in the country’s political fabric and appealed to international partners to respect Tanzania’s sovereignty and governance authority.
The Tanzanian government’s assertive stance reflects its commitment to maintaining stability while navigating through international scrutiny. Observers will be closely monitoring the commission’s report and its implications for Tanzania’s political landscape in the months to come.
— Reported by Nexio News
