Tanzania President Samia Suluhu.[Courtesy]
By Njoroge David
Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema, has rejected the inquiry team appointed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan to investigate unrest following the October 29 polls.
The party is demanding an independent international probe instead.
In a statement on Wednesday, November 19, party Deputy National Chairman John Heche argues that the panel, led by retired Chief Justice Mohamed Chande Othman, lacks political, legal, and moral legitimacy.
“President Samia Suluhu Hassan assumed power through a process that was not free, fair, transparent or democratic as noted by African Union and Southern African Development Community election observers,” Heche observed.
He noted that the inquiry, established under the Commissions of Inquiry Act of 2002, functions at the President’s discretion, meaning the government can choose to publish or suppress its findings.
“The accused can’t investigate themselves and deliver justice,” Heche argued.
Chadema accuses the government of orchestrating killings, abductions, torture, rape, and widespread human rights violations during and after the election.
The opposition outfit insists that panel members have ties to the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), and the government, rendering the inquiry biased.
“The commission is not independent; it is a scheme to cover up the truth, erase evidence and continue harming victims,” Heche explained, adding, “What is called an investigation into the breach of peace is a method to turn victims into criminals and absolve the real perpetrators.”
Chadema calls on the United Nations, the UN Security Council, the International Criminal Court (ICC), and regional human rights bodies to press Tanzania to allow an independent international inquiry.
“There is no peace without justice. There is no legitimacy without the consent of the people. The accused cannot judge the crimes they committed,” Heche added.
