President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive to drop charges against youths involved in the October 29, 2025 protests sets a significant tone for Tanzania’s post-election climate. Speaking during the opening of the 13th Parliament on Friday, November 14, 2025, she framed the decision as an act of understanding and responsibility toward young citizens who, according to her, acted out of confusion rather than intent to commit serious offences.
She emphasized that many of the youths were influenced by peers and lacked full awareness of the consequences of their actions. As part of her appeal, she asked the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to review and withdraw cases for those who were simply swept up in the moment. Her message stressed unity, peace, and national cohesion as essential guiding principles for the country’s young population.
President Suluhu reinforced her message through a striking statement delivered in Swahili, saying:
“Sambamba na mambo mengine, katika hotuba yangu ya kulifungua Bunge la 13 la Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania, nimevielekeza vyombo vya sheria hasa Ofisi Mkurugenzi wa Mashtaka (DPP), kuwafutia makosa vijana na watoto wetu ambao kwa kutokujua, walifanya makosa kwa kufuata mkumbo Oktoba 29 mwaka huu. Nikiwa Mama na Mlezi, ninawasihi vijana wote kuendelea kulinda amani na mshikamano wa nchi yetu, na hata siku moja msikubali kushawishiwa kuichoma nchi yenu wenyewe,” Suluhu stated.
The official English translation reads:
“Alongside other matters, in my speech opening the 13th Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania, I have directed the law enforcement authorities, especially the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), to drop charges against our youths and children who, out of ignorance, committed mistakes by following the movement on October 29 this year. As a mother and guardian, I urge all young people to continue safeguarding the peace and unity of our country, and never allow yourselves to be persuaded to destroy your own nation.”
What Sparked the October 29 Unrest?
The demonstrations erupted on the day of the general election, which President Suluhu won with over 97 per cent of the vote. The result was overshadowed by widespread accusations of opposition candidate disqualifications and limited competition. This environment fueled frustration in major cities including Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Mwanza, where groups of young people took to the streets in defiance of what they believed was an unfair process.
Security forces reacted with heavy measures, from curfews and internet shutdowns to mass arrests. Reports from opposition groups claim the death toll reached into the hundreds, while the United Nations and other observers confirmed casualties on a similar scale. In the aftermath, several youths were charged with treason, escalating concerns about human rights and the state’s handling of dissent.
How Is the Government Responding Moving Forward?
In her address, President Suluhu announced the formation of a commission tasked with investigating the root causes of the unrest, reviewing the reported killings, and supporting national reconciliation. While the government maintains that the election was fair and that authorities acted within the law, critics continue to argue that the events exposed deeper structural issues related to governance, accountability, and civic freedoms.
By directing the withdrawal of charges, the president signals a turn toward a more reconciliatory approach. The move is positioned as part of a broader effort to restore trust, especially among young Tanzanians whose voices and concerns shaped the trajectory of the unrest.
By Lucky Anyanje