Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Friday announced the formation of a special commission to investigate deaths and destruction that occurred during recent post-election protests.
Speaking at the opening of the country’s 13th Parliament in the capital Dodoma, Samia expressed condolences to families who lost relatives in the unrest that followed the Oct. 29 polls, saying the violence had “deeply affected” her.
She said the government has “formed a commission to investigate what happened so that we understand the root of the problem,” adding that the report will guide national dialogue and efforts to restore calm.
Samia said the clashes had “pained” her and prayed for those injured, urging citizens who lost property to remain patient as the government assesses the situation. She reminded Tanzanians that elections remain the legitimate and peaceful means for citizens to express dissatisfaction with leadership.
Her remarks come amid accusations from rights groups and opposition figures that security forces used excessive — and in some cases lethal — force to disperse demonstrators. Authorities have maintained that security personnel intervened to restore order and protect public infrastructure.
The formation of the commission marks the government’s first formal step to address the events that have drawn concern both domestically and internationally. Officials have not released an official casualty count, though local and international observers report numerous deaths and injuries.
Samia said the commission’s findings will inform measures aimed at easing tensions and reinforcing national unity. The government has yet to announce the composition of the commission or when it will deliver its report.
More than 40 African civil society organizations have called for the prosecution of security officials over what they allege are roughly 3,000 killings since the election.
The groups also demand Samia’s resignation, accusing authorities of suppressing voters during an election in which she won 97.66% of the vote, according to the National Electoral Commission.