"We are sorry!" Tanzania tells Diplomatic corps

DODOMA, Tanzania 

Tanzania Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Kombo, has acknowledged that Tanzanian diplomacy has undergone the most difficult test since independence following the events of the October 29, 2025 General Elections.

Speaking in Dodoma, January 15, 2026, before President Samia Hassan and ambassadors representing their countries in Tanzania at the ‘Diplomatic Sherry Party’ event, State House, Ambassador Kombo admitted that the events of the last election damaged the country’s image in the world and raised many questions from development partners.

“I received many calls and text messages of encouragement and solidarity from many of our close friends and partners. Some included concerns, while others asked what had happened to Tanzania, a country known as a hub of peace for the past 64 years in this region since its independence." said Ambassador Kombo.

The Minister noted that under the instructions of President Samia, the Ministry did extra work to clarify the facts of the matter using evidence in world. 

He said that the United Nations (UN) has agreed to provide a space for healing through a Commission of Inquiry established by the President, which will be followed by a process of reconciliation.

Addressing the gathering, President  Samia stated that Tanzania has successfully completed its 7th democratic election, held on October 29, 2025

She also acknowledged the challenges that arose from the violence and instability on election day and shortly after, saying: 

“Despite these great achievements, we regretfully acknowledge the challenges that arose from the violence and instability on election day and shortly after. The steps we took were necessary to maintain the Constitutional order and ensure the safety of all citizens including the Diplomatic Community.”

“To our Partners in the Diplomatic Community and foreigners living here in Tanzania, I am sorry for the uncertainty, disruption of services, and internet shutdown. I assure you that we are taking precautions to ensure your safety and prevent a similar situation from recurring in the future." She said.

Following the elections, protests erupted across the country, particularly led by youth, against the ruling political party.

The Government’s response was allegedly the immediate and lethal use of force against these protesters by security forces, including military and police personnel. 

The experts said that disturbing reports indicate officers were given orders to “shoot to kill” during an enforced curfew.

They noted that the number of people extrajudicially killed in the aftermath of the elections is estimated to be at least 700 individuals, with other estimates pointing to thousands of potential victims. 

They noted chilling reports on the disappearance of victims’ bodies from morgues, and allegations that human remains are being incinerated or buried in unidentified mass graves. 

There were reports of widespread arbitrary arrests and detentions of hundreds of protesters, human rights defenders and civil society activists followed the post-election protests. 

Many detained opposition leaders and protesters, that account for over 1,700 individuals, reportedly face serious offenses like treason, conspiracy to commit an offense, and armed robbery.