Tanzania: Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has announced an official investigation into the unrest that broke out during election week, following accusations that her government was responsible for violently crushing historic protests. Alongside the commission of inquiry, President Samia has urged prosecutors to exercise leniency towards individuals arrested in connection with the violence.
According to Voice of Nigeria, President Samia’s remarks come just days after the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, urged Tanzanian authorities to conduct a full and transparent investigation into reports of killings and other serious human rights violations during and after the 29 October elections.
During an address to parliament, President Samia urged prosecutors to consider reducing or dropping charges for individuals who may have been swept up in the unrest without fully understanding their actions. She expressed concern that many young people had been arrested and charged with treason without fully comprehending their involvement.
President Samia, identifying herself as a mother and guardian of the nation, directed law-enforcement agencies, particularly the DPP’s office, to show leniency. She also called on political parties to convene and discuss how to conduct politics without causing harm to the country, reaffirming her commitment to initiating a new constitution-making process.