A New Dawn for Tanzania
In the wake of the October 29, 2025 General Election, which saw significant unrest and loss of life, a presidential commission was established to investigate the incidents of breach of peace. The report from this commission has now been submitted, and former Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ambassador Lazaro Nyalandu, has expressed optimism about the steps being taken by President Samia Suluhu Hassan to unite Tanzanians and ensure national safety.
Ambassador Nyalandu, who currently serves as an adviser on diplomatic affairs to President Hassan, highlighted the importance of the commission’s recommendations and the President’s commitment to implementing them. He believes that these actions will help heal the nation and pave the way for a new Tanzania.
President Hassan’s Commitment
Speaking during an interview with Sky News Television on April 24, 2026, Ambassador Nyalandu emphasized that President Hassan has pledged to work on the recommendations submitted by Judge Mohamed Chande Othman’s commission. In addition to this, she has issued immediate directives, including providing treatment at government expense for those injured during the unrest.
He noted that the commission’s recommendation and the President’s commitment to form a body to thoroughly follow up on incidents that went against the law, with those responsible being held accountable, reflects a readiness to build a new Tanzania. “If you listened to President Samia’s speech, you will realize her readiness to bring Tanzanians together after those incidents, which saddened her because they stained our nation,” he said.
“She has promised many things, including accountability for those who will be found involved; therefore, to me it is a good and correct direction. The most important thing is that she be given time to implement what she has started,” said Ambassador Nyalandu.
Reconciliation and the 4R Philosophy
Regarding strategies for uniting the nation, Ambassador Nyalandu stated that since assuming office, President Hassan has shown genuine intention to ensure justice and equality prevail among Tanzanians. He mentioned that reconciliation has been her top priority, which is why she has been advancing the 4R philosophy—reconciliation, restoration, reform, and renewal.
“Since she entered office, the 4R has been emphasized everywhere; therefore, Judge Chande’s commission recommendations on reconciliation align with what our leader has intended for a long time,” he said.
However, some human rights activists and political parties have expressed reservations about the report, claiming it leans more towards blaming protesters, despite containing key issues which, if addressed, could provide a new direction for rebuilding Tanzania.
Unrest and Its Causes
During the presentation of the report, Judge Chande explained that investigations found demonstrations were planned, coordinated, and executed with a high level of skill by trained individuals. He noted that some youths were promised jobs and a better life, while others were paid between Sh10,000 and Sh50,000, and some were kept in camps across various regions where they received training.
“For example, some witnesses explained that children living in difficult environments, motorcycle riders and petty traders informed the commission that they were given between Sh10,000 and Sh50,000, promised employment and a better life, and from October 12 to 28 were trained and motivated to be part of causing chaos that day,” said Judge Chande.
He added that protesters used various methods to achieve their aims, including burning buildings, placing logs and stones on roads, using motorbikes, and distributing money to influence participants.
According to the report, five sources and eight triggers contributed to the unrest, including long-term political issues that had not been addressed in time. Longstanding demands for a new constitution, strengthening of multiparty democracy systems, and reforms to the independent electoral commission were among the causes of the October unrest.
Other factors included economic and social challenges such as the high cost of living, unemployment, and administrative issues, including erosion of values. Various political and activist statements, including “No reform, no election,” “October We Tick,” “Samia Must Go,” and “We have resolved the election will not happen,” significantly triggered the unrest.
“Evidence shows that politicians and activists used challenges raised by citizens to persuade them, including the use of slogans and statements to mobilize support,” he said.
Addressing Challenges
In the interview, Ambassador Nyalandu said President Hassan has already taken steps to address some of the challenges, including those affecting youths, by establishing a ministry responsible for overseeing and coordinating youth affairs. He added that the political stalemate that existed before President Hassan assumed office, including restrictions on political activities and public rallies, has been resolved through implementation of the 4R philosophy, with all parties now able to operate freely.
The report also revealed that 518 people lost their lives during the unrest, with evidence indicating that some deaths involved the use of bullets and sharp objects. “Total deaths resulting from the violence were 518, of whom 490 were males and 28 females, with the majority of deaths being unnatural,” said Judge Chande.
The commission also received 323 written submissions and conducted visits in various regions, meeting 170 groups with a total of 2,079 participants. In Dar es Salaam alone, the commission met 1,436 participants from various groups, including politicians, lawyers, health workers, bereaved families, and religious leaders.
