Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), has rejected a government-appointed commission investigating alleged breaches of peace following the October 29, 2025 general elections, demanding instead an independent international inquiry.

In a public statement issued on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, CHADEMA declared it does not recognize the Commission of Inquiry established by President Samia Suluhu Hassan and chaired by former Chief Justice Mohamed Chande Othman to investigate alleged breaches of peace that occurred during and after the October elections.

The party’s Vice Chairman, John Heche, argued that the appointing authority lacks legitimacy to establish such a commission.

CHADEMA asserts that President Suluhu imposed herself in power through a process that was neither free, fair nor transparent, falling far below democratic standards as stated by the African Union and Southern African Development Community election observers.

The opposition party raised serious concerns about the legal framework underpinning the commission, noting that under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 2002, such bodies operate solely under presidential directives and discretion.

According to CHADEMA, the President has full power to decide whether the commission’s report will be published or suppressed, made public or withheld, rendering it impossible for the body to be independent or impartial, especially when the government itself is the primary suspect in the crimes being investigated.

CHADEMA contends that the composition of the commission further undermines its credibility, as all appointees are either current or former government officials or ruling party members.

The party argues this represents a direct violation of the principle that an independent commission must have no ties whatsoever to the government or ruling party, noting that these appointees have been central actors in leading the nation into the current crisis, with some accused of planning or executing serious human rights violations while in positions of authority.

The statement characterized the commission not as an independent body but as a scheme to hide the truth, erase evidence and further harm victims.

CHADEMA argues that what is labeled as an investigation into breaches of peace is actually an attempt to transform victims into offenders while sanitizing the real perpetrators, with the intention of intensifying repression of free voices and legitimizing an authoritarian regime that lacks the consent of the people.

The opposition party accuses the regime under President Suluhu of being responsible for killings, abductions, torture, rape, persecution and widespread violations of human rights. CHADEMA insists it is impossible for perpetrators to investigate themselves and expect justice.

For these reasons, CHADEMA is calling for the establishment of a Truly Independent International Commission with the capacity, professionalism, authority and credibility to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into killings, crimes against humanity and gross violations of fundamental rights committed under the Suluhu regime.

The party demands that such an investigation be conducted under the oversight of an international body without fear, threats or interference.

CHADEMA has appealed to international institutions including the United Nations Security Council, the International Criminal Court, regional and international human rights mechanisms, friendly nations and all pro-democracy stakeholders to take urgent steps to pressure the Samia administration and the ruling party to permit an independent international investigation.

The party’s message is emphatic, stating that there can be no peace without justice, no legitimacy without the consent of the people, and that a perpetrator cannot sit in judgment of their own crimes.

CHADEMA pledged to continue standing firmly with the people of Tanzania until justice is achieved and all those responsible for crimes against humanity are held to account, calling upon all Tanzanians and the international community to support this principled stance.