- Analysts describe Inquiry Commission as foundation for peace, stability
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Commission of Inquiry into the 2025 General Election violence, composed of seasoned jurists, diplomats and security experts, is well placed to produce a credible and independent account of the unrest as public hearings continue.
The Commission is currently gathering information on the violence that occurred during and after the October election.
It is investigating the causes, extent of damage, accountability and impact of the unrest, and will consequently recommend solutions aimed at reconciliation, national cohesion and lasting peace.
In an exclusive interview, political analyst Mr Hamiduni Maliseli said the commission meets fundamental standards of legitimacy, professionalism and experience, arguing that its credibility should be assessed Share the Truth The Inquiry Commission is inviting the public to submit credible information regarding the violence that occured during and after the 2025 General Election.
The Commission is investigating the cause, damages, accountability and impact; it will recommend solutions towards reconciliation, national cohesion and peace.
Your cooperation is of paramount importance. S.L.P. 471, Dar es Salaam www.tume.uchunguzi.go.tz maoni@tume.uchunguzi.go.tz tume.uchunguzi@gmail.com 0743 040 890, 0737 305 449 tume_uchunguzi at ions e. based on its mandate, the calibre of its members and the quality of its eventual findings.
He said commissions of inquiry are globally recognised mechanisms for investigating serious incidents, clarifying facts and guiding societies towards solutions, noting that the October 29 unrest was significant and required a thorough, structured investigation.
“The establishment of such a commission is neither unusual nor suspicious. Around the world, commissions are set up to investigate serious events, determine what happened, why it happened and what should be done to prevent recurrence,” he said.
Mr Maliseli pointed to the profile and experience of the commissioners, describing the chairperson, Judge Mohamed Chande Othman, as a jurist with a long and respected record of integrity, professionalism and sound judgment at both national and international levels.
He said Judge Chande’s experience as a former Chief Justice of Tanzania and his extensive involvement in international justice mechanisms provide the commission with strong leadership grounded in law, human rights and accountability.
Mr Maliseli further said that the inclusion of professors, former chief justices, senior diplomats, security experts and former top public officials strengthens the commission’s capacity to analyse complex political and security events.
According to him, the commissioners’ broad international exposure, particularly in conflict-prone and fragile states, equips them with a wider perspective and analytical capacity necessary to produce balanced, practical and informed recommendations.
He also said discussions surrounding the commission must begin with a proper understanding of independence and self reliance, which he described as the ability to think critically and make decisions without undue influence.
“True independence is not just about acting alone, but about being free in thought and decision-making. We cannot claim to be independent while assuming we lack the capacity to think, decide or manage our own affairs. That is where the debate on the legitimacy of the commission begins,” he said.
Mr Maliseli acknowledged that scepticism is inevitable whenever commissions are formed to investigate politically sensitive matters, but noted that much of the criticism has emerged from social media rather than verified professional or institutional sources.
He stressed that public trust will ultimately depend on whether the commission answers pressing public questions, clearly explains what happened and why, and provides recommendations that are practical, realistic and implementable.
“Society itself is a vital source of evidence. If the Commission fails to provide convincing answers, the public will sense it even before the official report is released. That is when it will be clear whether it has fulfilled its mandate,” he said.
Echoing similar sentiments, political analyst Mr Yonah Mapury expressed confidence in the competence and integrity of the commission, saying it is composed of individuals with unmatched experience and credibility.
“Looking at their backgrounds, it is clear that these are professionals with the knowledge, skills and judgment needed to uncover the truth. I have full confidence in their ability to carry out this important mandate,” he said.
He added that the members’ combined expertise in law, human rights, diplomacy and security gives them the capacity to approach the inquiry with fairness, precision and professionalism.
Public Administration and Governance Expert at the Institute of Accountancy Arusha (IAA), Dr Adam Mnyavanu said the commission aligns with international standards of conflict resolution.
Dr Mnyavanu said it plays a pivotal role in strengthening peaceful co-existence and mutual understanding among citizens nationwide. Profiles of the Commission Members.
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Mr Mohamed Chande Othman, the chairperson of the Commission.
- Retired Chief Justice of Tanzania (2010–2017).
- Since 2021, he has been serving as the special advisor to Chief Justice of the International Criminal Court (ICC). He also serves as the Eminent Person to the United Nations (UN).
- He is a former Judge of Appeals Court and the High Court of Tanzania; he served these positions before ascending to the post of Chief Justice.
- He once participated as the UN independent expert for investigation on violation of human rights in Sudan and Lebanon.
- He once served as a member of the legal review team for development of the ICC.
- He once served as the member of the Independent Commission for investigation of performance and efficiency of the ICC.
- He once participated as the Director of Persecution of crime case in East Timor.
- Once served as Prosecutor at International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda genocide.
- He served as Chairperson in the Presidential Commission on the Reform of the Criminal Justice System and Institutions in Tanzania.
Professor Ibrahim Juma, the retired Chief Justice (2017- 2025)
- Former Judge of the Court of Appeal and the High Court of Tanzania.
- Former Law Professor at the University of Dar es Salaam.
- Former Chairperson of the Law Reform Commission.
- Former Commissioner and Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
Ambassador Ombeni Sefue, former Chief Secretary
- Former Secretary of the Union cabinet and secretary of the national security council and Public Service’s Chief.
- Served as Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the United Republic of Tanzania to the UN.
- Served as Permanent Secretary President’s Office, Public Service Management and Good Governance.
- Former Tanzania’s Ambassador to Canada and United States of America (USA).
- Former Chairperson of the Africa Peer Review Mechanism.
- A former aide to the second phase President, Mr Ali Hassan Mwinyi and third phase President, Mr Benjamini Mkapa.
- He also supervised the writing of books by the two presidents: My Life, My Purpose: A Tanzanian President Remembers and Safari ya Maisha Yangu, authored by Mkapa and Mwinyi, respectively.
- Served as Vice-Chairperson in the Presidential Commission on the Reform of the Criminal Justice System and Institutions in Tanzania.
Said Mwema, Retired Inspector General of Police (IGP)
- While serving as IGP, he spearheaded several reforms within the police force, including the development and implementation of the community policing strategy.
- He also led the police in combating crimes such as human trafficking, crossborder crime, terrorism and drug abuse.
- He also served as the head of the Sub-Regional Bureau of Interpol, headquartered in Kenya.
- Served as member in the Presidential Commission on the Reform of the Criminal Justice System and Institutions in Tanzania.
Ambassador Lieutenant General Paul Meela
- He served as Ambassador of Tanzania to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
- In his capacity as a retired army officer, he served in various peacekeeping missions, including as Force Commander of the UN Force in Darfur, and also as a member of the East African Community’s (EAC) Negotiation Team for Conflict Resolution in Eastern DRC, which was led by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta.
- He served as the Commandant of the National Defence College (NDC), heading Tanzania’s top strategic institution for training senior military and civilian leaders.
- He served as the Chief of Operations and Training within the TPDF, holding this key staff position to oversee the readiness and strategic planning of the Tanzanian military.
Ambassador David Kapya
- He served as a special aide to President Benjamin Mkapa during peace talks aimed at resolving the conflict in Eastern DRC and Sudan, contributing to the process that led to the creation of South Sudan.
- He served as a special advisor to President Benjamin Mkapa on conflict mediation in Burundi.
- He served as a special aide to President Jakaya Kikwete on the African Union’s (AU) team for conflict resolution in Ivory Coast.
- He served as Tanzania’s special representative for conflict resolution in Zimbabwe.
- He is a Senior Advisor for the Crisis Management Initiative (CMI), where he has contributed to preventive diplomacy and peace mediation efforts across the African continent
- He spent many years with the UNHCR in high-level roles, including Representative to Guinea and Deputy Director for Special Operations in Sudan and Chad, where he managed large-scale refugee relocations and negotiated humanitarian access in conflict zones.
Ambassador Radhia Msuya
- Former Tanzania’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and the South African Development Community (SADC).
- She was awarded National Order of Merit by the French President.
Dr Stergomena Tax, a retired senior government official
- Former Executive Secretary of South African Development Community (SADC), who served for eight years.
- Former Minister for Foreign Affairs and East Africa Cooperation.
- Former Minister for Defence and National Service.
Ambassador George Madafa
- He served as Ambassador of Tanzania in Rome, Italy, also accredited to Croatia, Greece, Slovenia, Macedonia and Albania.
- After his ambassadorship ended (around 2021), he was appointed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan as the new Chairperson for Puma Energy Tanzania in May 2025, succeeding Dr Majige Budeba.