DAR ES SALAAM — President Samia Suluhu Hassan has said the unrest that occurred during and after the General Election of October 29, 2025 left deep pain among Tanzanians, describing the events as a tragedy the nation wishes had never happened.
Speaking yesterday at State House while receiving the report of the Commission of Inquiry into the events, President Samia said the unrest left a painful mark on the country and its people.
“If it were possible, we would wish to turn back time so that the events of October 2025 had never happened, and history could be rewritten to erase the stain left on our nation,” she said.
The President noted that some countries and international media organisations strongly criticised Tanzania following the unrest, but said such reactions were not unexpected because of differing perspectives and what she described as widespread misinformation surrounding the events.
“There were those who used the events of October 2025 to condemn us and point fingers at our country. We were not entirely surprised because people hold different views, and there was significant misinformation surrounding the incident, particularly from foreign media outlets,” she said.
President Samia stressed that, in line with African values and traditions, moments of grief and tragedy should be met with compassion, solidarity and support rather than blame or ridicule.
“In times of loss and sorrow, the expectation should be comfort and solidarity rather than criticism or mockery. Those most hurt by what happened were Tanzanians themselves,” she said.
She added that Tanzanians had lost children, relatives and friends during the unrest, emphasising that no one outside the country could feel the pain more deeply than citizens directly affected by the tragedy.
“It is we who lost our children, our relatives and our friends. No one outside Tanzania can feel greater pain than those of us who lived through these losses,” she said.
President Samia reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to healing, unity and moving forward together following the difficult chapter in the country’s history.
