President Samia Suluhu Hassan has established a special criminal inquiry commission to investigate violent incidents that occurred during and after Tanzania’s 2025 General Election, in what the government describes as part of efforts to safeguard peace, justice and accountability.
The formation of the commission follows recommendations submitted by the Presidential Commission tasked with investigating breaches of peace linked to the October 2025 elections.
An official statement released on Monday by the Office of the Chief Secretary said the commission has been constituted under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, Chapter 32, to conduct criminal investigations into acts of violence reported across the country during the election period and its aftermath.
Justice Shabani Ally Lila of the Court of Appeal has been appointed commissioner and chairperson of the commission.
The commission also includes retired High Court judges Gad John Mjemmas, Awadh Mohamed Bawazir and Aishieli Nelson Sumari as commissioners.
The move signals the government’s latest step toward addressing concerns raised over incidents of unrest and violence reported before and after the polls, which attracted public attention both locally and internationally.
The statement, signed by Chief Secretary Ambassador Moses M. Kusiluka, did not specify the duration of the inquiry or when the commission is expected to submit its findings to the President.
However, analysts say the appointment of senior and retired judges to the commission is likely to strengthen public confidence in the investigation process and reinforce calls for accountability over election-related violence.
