Samia Suluhu mourns Tanzanians killed in election violence, vows action: "Nimehuzunishwa sana"

Samia Suluhu’s Grief and Resolve Amid Tanzania’s Election Violence

The recent turmoil in Tanzania has cast a heavy shadow over the nation’s democratic aspirations.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s heartfelt declaration, “Nimehuzunishwa sana” (“I am deeply saddened”), captures the gravity of the moment. Her words followed the tragic events of October 29, when protests erupted during the elections, leading to deaths, injuries, and widespread property destruction.

In her address to the 13th Parliament, Suluhu led a solemn minute of silence for the victims, offering condolences to grieving families. This gesture was more than symbolic; it was a recognition of the pain endured by ordinary Tanzanians caught in the crossfire of political unrest.

Witnesses in Dar es Salaam reported hearing gunfire during the demonstrations, underscoring the intensity of the clashes. Hundreds of young people took to the streets, demanding reforms in electoral systems and justice administration, reflecting a deep-seated frustration with governance and transparency.

Suluhu’s response was twofold: compassion and action. She announced an amnesty for youths arrested during the protests, directing authorities to drop charges against those who had no criminal intent. This move signals her desire to heal divisions rather than deepen them. At the same time, she ordered the creation of a special commission of inquiry to investigate the causes of the unrest. The commission’s mandate is not only to uncover the truth but also to guide reconciliation efforts, a crucial step in restoring public trust in Tanzania’s institutions.

The president’s stance reflects a delicate balance between acknowledging the failures that led to violence and asserting her commitment to reform. By pledging decisive action, she positions herself as both a mourner and a reformer, someone willing to confront the painful realities of Tanzanian politics while striving to chart a path forward.

This moment is pivotal for Tanzania. Election violence has long been a stain on the country’s democratic record, and Suluhu’s leadership will be judged by whether her promises translate into meaningful change. Her grief, expressed so openly, resonates with citizens who yearn for stability and justice. Yet grief alone is not enough.

The commission’s findings, the government’s willingness to implement reforms, and the broader political will to ensure fair elections will determine whether Tanzania can break free from the cycle of violence.

Suluhu’s words, “Nimehuzunishwa sana,” are a reminder that leadership is not only about power but about empathy. In mourning with her people, she has taken the first step toward healing.

The challenge now lies in transforming sorrow into structural change, ensuring that future generations of Tanzanians can exercise their democratic rights without fear of repression or bloodshed.