As a Mother, I Direct The Security Agencies To Pardon The Young People Who Were Arrested - President Samia Suluhu

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Friday, November 14, 2025, ordered the Chief Prosecutor to drop charges against young people arrested during post-election protests following the October 29 general election. 

The announcement came during her inauguration of the 13th Parliament in Dodoma, marking a critical step in her administration’s reconciliation strategy.

Addressing lawmakers, President Suluhu emphasized that the pardon applies to youths who participated in the demonstrations out of curiosity, excitement, or peer pressure, without fully understanding the consequences of their actions. 

“As a mother and guardian of this Nation, I direct law-enforcement agencies, particularly the Director of Public Prosecutions, to assess the magnitude of the offences committed by our young people,” she said. 

Quoting the Bible, she added, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

The October 29 election, which saw President Suluhu re-elected with nearly 98% of the vote, was marred by widespread allegations of irregularities. 

Opposition parties, including Chadema, were largely barred from participation, and several leaders were arrested, some facing treason charges. 

The election results sparked violent protests in major cities such as Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Mwanza. While opposition groups claim over 1,000 deaths occurred during the unrest, the government has dismissed these figures. 

Hundreds of protesters were detained, and dozens were charged with treason, though Tanzania has not carried out a death sentence since 1995.

President Suluhu’s decision aligns with her ‘4Rs’ philosophy—Reconciliation, Resilience, Reforms, and Rebuilding—a framework designed to move Tanzania away from the authoritarian tendencies of her predecessor, the late John Magufuli. 

Alongside the pardons, she announced the creation of an independent commission of inquiry to examine the election-day violence and identify institutional shortcomings, with recommendations expected to guide future reconciliation efforts.

The President also pledged to resume the constitutional reform process within the first 100 days of her term, a key demand of opposition parties. She called on all political actors to return to the negotiating table, stressing the importance of dialogue and compromise for national stability. 

“I will not tire of extending the hand of reconciliation,” she said.

The developments in Tanzania carry significant implications for the East African Community (EAC). Kenya, in particular, has a vested interest in a stable and peaceful Tanzania, given the close economic and trade ties between the two nations. 

Kenya’s Deputy President, Kithure Kindiki, represented President William Ruto at Suluhu’s swearing-in on November 3, reaffirming the importance of strong bilateral relations. He described Tanzania as a “key friendly neighbour and strategic trade partner,” emphasizing that Kenya’s prosperity is closely linked to regional stability.

Since taking office in 2021, President Suluhu has worked to reset diplomatic and trade relations with Kenya, addressing tensions from previous administrations. 

Her government has prioritized regional integration and cross-border trade, though challenges such as non-tariff barriers and differing national priorities persist.