Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has ordered the creation of an independent commission to investigate the deadly violence that followed her sweeping re-election victory, while urging police to show compassion toward young protesters facing treason charges.
Addressing lawmakers in her inaugural speech to parliament on Friday, President Hassan said she was "deeply saddened" by the bloodshed that trailed the vote, offering condolences to the families of those killed.
"I offer my condolences to all the families who lost their loved ones," she said.
Hassan won a second term on 29 October with 98 per cent of the vote, according to the National Electoral Commission.
Opposition figures and human rights groups, however, have alleged widespread electoral fraud, including ballot stuffing, intimidation, and a government-imposed internet blackout that fuelled days of unrest with hundreds reportedly killed in clashes with security forces.
"The government has taken the step of forming an inquiry commission to investigate what happened," the president said.
She also acknowledged the mass arrests that followed the protests, many of which resulted in treason charges that carry the death penalty.
"I realise that many youths who were arrested and charged with treason did not know what they were doing," she said.
Calling herself "the mother of this nation," Hassan directed law-enforcement agencies, particularly the police hierarchy, to review the cases.
"For those who merely followed the crowd without intent to commit crime, let them erase their mistakes," she said.
Her remarks come as international partners press for transparency and accountability over the state’s handling of the unrest.
The government has yet to release details about the new commission, including its membership, scope, or timeframe.
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