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Arusha/Dar. The opposition party, Chadema, has stated it will not engage with the criminal investigation commission set up by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, arguing that it is not independent and is aimed at individuals who support a new constitution and transparent, equitable elections.

During a special regional meeting of top party officials in the Northern Zone in Arusha on Thursday, May 21, 2026, Chadema’s secretary general, John Mnyika, stated that the commission was an extension of the Justice Mohamed Chande Commission, which he asserted had already identified individuals behind the slogans “No Reforms No Election” and “Oktoba Tunatiki.”

As per a State House announcement issued on May 18, 2026, President Hassan established an Inquiry Commission to examine criminal issues stemming from the events of October 29, 2025, and designated Justice Shaban Lila as its head.

The action came after Justice Mohamed Chande’s recommendations following the submission of his report.

Justice Chande suggested establishing a new criminal investigation commission to look into crimes that occurred during and following the elections, aiming for legal responsibility. Three commissioners were named: Gad Mjemmas, Awadh Bawazir, and Aishiel Sumari.

Mr. Mnyika stated that following the 2025 elections, Chadema’s Central Committee deemed the voting process invalid and demanded its cancellation, along with a new election to be held under a revised constitution and an independent electoral body.

He mentioned that the party had previously called for an independent local and international organization to examine deaths and abuses occurring before and after the elections, but instead, the government established the Chande Commission, which he stated merely gathered data and suggested additional inquiries.

Referencing the Chande report, Mnyika stated that it connected calls for constitutional reform and opposition slogans with the events of October 29, 2025, contending that responsibility should focus on those accused of human rights abuses rather than people advocating for changes.

“Rather than addressing those responsible for deaths and who gave orders resulting in killings, they are focusing on the triggers,” he stated.

He stated that Chadema feels the new commission is designed to focus on activists, religious leaders, and opposition members instead of revealing the truth.

Mr. Mnyika also raised concerns about the selection of certain commissioners, claiming they did not have a solid history of upholding justice as evidenced by their past judicial rulings.

Although he refused to cooperate, he admitted that the commission has the legal authority to call people in and request documents, stating that the party will determine its reaction if officially required to attend.

Chadema stated that its stance has not changed and that it will refuse to collaborate unless an entirely independent organization is created to examine the events in a transparent manner.

Political expert Professor Benson Bana called for calm, stating that Tanzania needs to stay united and urged all parties to utilize legal methods, while highlighting that committees set up by the President work within the law and should be permitted to operate.

He mentioned that the inquiries headed by Justice Lila would rely on conclusions from the Chande Commission, and individuals found responsible for criminal acts would be sent to the appropriate legal agencies.

Human rights attorney Dr. Onesmo Kyauke stated that commissions need to operate with fairness and openness to prevent increasing tensions, emphasizing that even government employees found responsible should face consequences.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).