President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania announced plans to initiate comprehensive consultations aimed at forming a national reconciliation commission, starting in early 2026. The move is designed to foster national unity and address lingering divisions stemming from election-related violence that occurred in October 2025.
In her end-of-year address, delivered from her official residence in Tunguu, Zanzibar, President Samia emphasized the government’s commitment to establishing the National Reconciliation Commission. She stressed that the process would be consultative and transparent, involving political parties, civil society organizations, and religious and community leaders.
The primary objectives of the commission are to strengthen national unity, heal the wounds inflicted by the past electoral violence, and create a more stable political environment in anticipation of future elections. Tanzania experienced heightened political and social tensions last year, culminating during the general elections, with outbreaks of violence in certain regions resulting in casualties. These events raised serious concerns about the country’s political and social stability, highlighting the urgent need for a national mechanism to address grievances and rebuild trust among various factions.
President Samia urged citizens to demonstrate patience, maturity, and patriotism, asserting that the upcoming phase requires collective efforts to overcome divisions and build a future based on mutual trust and peaceful coexistence. She emphasized that reconciliation would not be merely a slogan but a tangible process rooted in the active participation of all stakeholders. The President underscored the importance of a unified approach to address the challenges facing the nation and to ensure a brighter future for all Tanzanians.
The formation of this commission marks a significant step towards addressing the underlying issues and promoting long-term stability in Tanzania. The success of the initiative will depend on the willingness of all parties to engage constructively and to prioritize the national interest above partisan considerations.
