DAR ES SALAAM: Tanzania’s independent commission of inquiry into unrest surrounding the Oct. 29, 2025 general election is being presented by senior legal figures as a sign of institutional strength, transparency and national capacity to address complex challenges.
Prof Ibrahim Juma, a former chief justice and member of the commission, said its establishment reflects the country’s ability to confront sensitive issues through credible and accountable domestic processes.
Speaking on Tuesday, he said the inquiry carries high public expectations and must deliver findings that meet both national and international standards.
“The broader objective is to show the world that Tanzania has the ability to confront its own challenges and find solutions to them,” he said, adding that the commission’s work should match the level of confidence placed in it.
He said the creation of the commission signals institutional maturity and underscores Tanzania’s commitment to handling internal matters independently while maintaining openness and transparency.
According to Juma, the commission operates free from external influence, while adopting an outward-looking approach guided by recognised global legal principles, positioning the inquiry within both domestic and international accountability frameworks.
The commission is chaired by retired chief justice Mohamed Chande Othman, whose international experience has helped shape its direction.
Juma said the chair has consistently guided the commission to benchmark its work against both Tanzanian legal standards and international best practices.
He added that this approach means the final report will be assessed against global standards, reinforcing the need for methodological rigour and credibility throughout the process.
Othman’s experience in leading and participating in international inquiries continues to strengthen the commission’s work in examining events linked to the election period, Juma said.
On technical capacity, Juma expressed confidence in the expertise supporting the commission.
While many specialists involved, particularly in video analysis and cyber investigations, are Tanzanian, they also have experience from similar assignments abroad, including in South Africa and the United Kingdom.
“I have no doubt about the level of expertise,” he said, adding that the commission is well equipped to uncover the truth and present it clearly to the public.
The inquiry has engaged a wide range of stakeholders, including injured individuals, families of those who died and relatives of people reported missing.
Evidence has been collected through oral testimonies and sworn affidavits, reflecting what officials describe as a high level of public participation.
Authorities have granted a further 21-day extension to complete the commission’s work, moving the deadline to April 24, 2026, to allow for detailed analysis of evidence and additional forensic examinations.
The extension will also enable the commission to review newly submitted exhibits, finalise its report and prepare translations ahead of submission to President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
This is the second extension since the commission began its work on Nov. 20, 2025. An earlier 42-day extension followed a surge in public submissions that exceeded expectations.
Officials said the continued volume of public input underscores the significance of the inquiry and the trust placed in it as a platform for accountability and national reflection.
The final report is expected to be assessed against both domestic and international benchmarks, in what observers see as an important moment for Tanzania’s governance and institutional development.
