Journalists restricted as Tanzania's poll violence commission hears victims in private

DAR ES SALAAM,  Tanzania 

The Acting Chairman of the Commission to investigate incidents of breach of peace that occurred during and after the October 29 General Elections, Retired Chief Justice Professor Ibrahim Juma, has said that the Commission will continue to protect the privacy of witnesses who attend the commission's hearing in various parts of the country.

Professor Ibrahim Juma said this Saturday January 24, 2026, while opening a meeting of the Commission with the residents of Ubungo District held at the Ubungo Municipal Hall in Dar es Salaam.

Juma said that the Commission has received complaints from some of the victims of the incidents complaining that their personal information submitted to the Commission appears to be printed online without their consent.

“Some victims are being called and asked to conduct interviews with some media houses, which cause them stress, protection of personal information and confidentiality and others have caused challenges for their families,

"Following this situation, the procedure that will continue to be used is for the Commission to explain its work to journalists and content in general but when listening to victims, journalists will not be allowed to ‘throw us away’” explained the Professor.

The Commission has heard victims of incidents during and after the October 29, 2025 General Elections in Dar es Salaam Region in Kinondoni, Temeke, Ilala and Ubungo Districts. 

It will continue with the exercise in other areas including Dodoma, Shinyanga, Ruvuma and Iringa regions.

Tanzanian President Samia Hassan announced last year, the creation of a panel to investigate the violence that erupted during the east African nation’s Oct. 29 elections.

"The government has formed a commission of inquiry to investigate what happened that will also guide us to embark on reconciliation and peace talks,” Hassan said in speech to parliament, her first since she secured another term. She appealed to the nation’s youth to “never allow yourselves to be persuaded to burn your own country.”

Thousands of Tanzanians took to the streets on election day, protesting what they called an illegitimate vote after Hassan’s two main rivals were barred from running. 

The main opposition party said more than 1,000 people were killed in clashes between security forces and demonstrators that continued for several days.

The African Union and civil rights groups criticized the conduct of the election.