Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE Commonwealth has expressed its full support for Tanzania’s ongoing efforts to address the aftermath of the October 29, 2025 incident, pledging to back current initiatives aimed at securing sustainable and lasting solutions.
This was conveyed yesterday by the Special Envoy of the Commonwealth Secretary-General and former President of Malawi, Dr Lazarus Chakwera, during a meeting with the Commission of Inquiry into the events of October 29, 2025, held in Dar es Salaam.
The meeting is part of Dr Chakwera’s ongoing engagement with various stakeholders in the country, where he has been meeting with different groups, including politicians, institutions and government leaders.
Dr Chakwera said he appreciates the spirit he has observed in Tanzania, noting that everyone is eager to find solutions rather than remain trapped in problems.
“I love the country and I love what is happening. Everyone is just happy to find solutions and not stay marred in problems, so that’s what we support. The commonwealth is with Tanzania,” he said.
On his part, the Commission Chairperson, retired Chief Justice Mohamed Othman Chande, said the commission briefed the envoy on its mandate, progress and procedures.
“We explained our responsibilities and the terms of reference, which are publicly known, as well as how our work is progressing,” he said.
He said that the meeting also provided an opportunity to respond to questions regarding the commission’s role and functions.
Justice Chande further said that commissions of inquiry are a standard practice across Commonwealth member states, typically established to investigate major incidents of public concern.
“These commissions are essentially fact-finding bodies. Their role is to establish key facts rather than provide final judgments on all matters,” he said.
He also said that the commission has been tasked with identifying the causes, triggers, objectives, individuals involved, as well as the impact including any loss of life related to the October 29 incident.
“Our duty is to establish all these aspects based on evidence. We want to assure Tanzanians that our work is firmly grounded in evidence. For further details, the public should await for the final report,” he said.
Dr Chakwera has already met various stakeholders including the Registrar of Political Parties, retired Judge Francis Mutungi, as well as representatives from several political parties.
During his visit, Dr Chakwera is also expected to meet former Prime Minister and First Vice-President of Tanzania, Judge Joseph Warioba, civil society organisations, Chairperson of the Zanzibar Electoral Commission, Judge George Joseph Kazi, ACT–Wazalendo Chairperson Mr Othman Masoud Othman, Speaker of the National Assembly Mr Mussa Azzan Zungu, Chief Justice of Tanzania, Judge George Masaju, Chairperson of the Independent National Electoral Commission, retired Court of Appeal Judge Jacobs Mwambegele and the Secretary-General of Chama Cha Mapinduzi, Ambassador Dr Asha-Rose Migiro.
The Special Envoy is also expected to meet with the President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi and former President Dr Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete.
