Former President of Malawi and Commonwealth Special Envoy, Lazarus Chakwera, has held high-level discussions with Tanzania’s Commission of Inquiry investigating incidents of breach of peace that occurred during and after the October 29, 2025 General Election.
The meeting took place on Saturday, April 11, 2026, in Dar es Salaam at the Commission’s offices, where the Commonwealth delegation received detailed briefings on the Commission’s mandate, operational procedures, and ongoing investigative work related to the post-election situation.
Speaking to journalists after the engagement, the Chairperson of the Commission, Justice Othman Chande, said the discussions focused on explaining the Commission’s terms of reference and the overall process guiding the ongoing investigations.
He emphasized that the Commission continues to perform its duties in line with the law, professionalism, and transparency, while gathering and analyzing information from different stakeholders to establish the facts surrounding the incidents.
The Commonwealth delegation, operating under the office of Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, was also briefed that the visit aims to enhance understanding of Tanzania’s political environment, particularly the dynamics surrounding the election period and its implications for peace and stability.
Dr. Chakwera, who is serving as a Special Envoy of the Commonwealth Secretary-General, is undertaking a working visit to Tanzania that will run until April 16, 2026.
During his stay, he is expected to engage a wide range of political leaders, civil society actors, and other stakeholders on issues related to electoral processes, governance, and democratic development.
During the discussions, the Commission also responded to questions from the delegation, offering clarifications on the methods used in collecting evidence and ensuring that the findings are based on verified and credible information.
The visit comes a month after Tanzania hosted another international delegation from the United Nations, when a Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General, Mr. Paftait Onanga-Anyanga, visited the country from March 8 to 12, 2026.
During that visit, he held consultations with political leaders and civil society organizations on the post-election situation and broader political developments.
The Commission of Inquiry continues its work of collecting evidence, conducting analysis, and engaging stakeholders, with the aim of producing findings that will contribute to strengthening peace, stability, and national unity in Tanzania.
