What You Need to Know
The Chairman of the Commission of Inquiry into election violence in Tanzania, Judge Mohamed Chande Othman, has called for fair accountability regarding the unrest that followed the October 2025 general elections. He emphasized the need for justice in accordance with the law, warning against scapegoating and unfair prosecutions while ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE Chairman of the Commission of Inquiry into General Elections violence,Judge Mohamed Chande Othman said today, April 28, 2026 that accountability for the unrest should be pursued fairly and in accordance with the law.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam, Mohamed Othman Chande said there was broad agreement that those responsible for the violence should be held accountable, but warned against unfair prosecutions or the use of scapegoats.
“We all agree that there must be accountability. No one has said accountability should be avoided or postponed,” Justice Othman said.
“But accountability must be fair. Senior national leaders we consulted advised that those who deserve to be held accountable should face justice according to the law, while those who do not deserve blame should not be punished.”
Othman said some contributors to the inquiry had gone further by cautioning against sacrificing innocent individuals during the process of assigning responsibility.
“We received that advice and it was important for us to also listen to the views of the public,” he said.
The commission was established to investigate violence that erupted during and after Tanzania’s October 29, 2025 general election.
Tanzania has a history of political tensions, particularly surrounding elections, which often lead to unrest and violence. The October 2025 general elections were no exception, as they were marred by incidents of violence that prompted the establishment of a commission to investigate the causes and assign accountability. This inquiry aims to address the concerns of the public and ensure that justice is served fairly, without targeting innocent individuals in the process of accountability. The call for fair accountability reflects a broader desire for justice and stability in Tanzania’s political landscape.
