The opposition party Chadema in Tanzania has announced it will not cooperate with the Justice Shabaan Lila Commission, which is investigating the violence that occurred during the 2025 General Election. This decision was made during a Central Committee meeting held on August 29, 2026, in Dar es Salaam. Chadema's Attorney General, Dr. Rugemeleza Nshala, stated that the party objects to the commission's structure and the fact that its report will be submitted to the same authority that formed the commission, which is implicated in the 2025 events.
The Justice Lila Commission, which includes members from Namibia and Uganda, was formed to investigate the planning, funding, coordination, and execution of the violence that occurred on October 29, 2025. The commission has a 150-day term of reference to complete its investigation. Despite Justice Lila's assurance that the commission will operate in accordance with the law without interference, Chadema's Central Committee expressed concerns about the commission's independence and impartiality.
This is not the first time Chadema has rejected a commission investigating the 2025 election violence. Earlier, the Commission of Inquiry led by retired Judge Mohamed Chande Othman was formed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan on November 20, 2025. Chadema distanced itself from that panel, objecting to its structure and findings, which detailed deaths, injuries, and property destruction. The initial commission submitted its report on April 23, 2026, after operating for 153 days.
Chadema's Deputy Secretary-General for Mainland, Amani Golugwa, emphasized that the party will instead cooperate with independent individuals ready to document what transpired on October 29. The party is demanding a probe with independent supervision and investigators, similar to the 2007 Kenyan investigation under the supervision of former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
Dr. Nshala explained that the inclusion of foreign members, Judge Petrus Damaseb of Namibia and Barishaki Cheborion of Uganda, was seen as a tactic to create an illusion of an international probe. Chadema's Central Committee emphasized that a credible commission should be free from government influence and interference.
The Justice Lila Commission's terms of reference include identifying how individuals planned, funded, coordinated, or executed the violence. Despite Chadema's rejection, the commission will continue its investigation. On August 24, 2026, Justice Lila stated that the commission would operate within the law, and its findings would be based on evidence.
The rejection of the Justice Lila Commission by Chadema has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the investigation into the 2025 election violence. The party's decision highlights the challenges in achieving accountability and justice in Tanzania's electoral process.
Key points
- Chadema party rejects Justice Shabaan Lila Commission due to concerns over independence and impartiality.
- The commission was formed to investigate the 2025 election violence that resulted in deaths, injuries, and property destruction.
- Chadema demands an independent probe with international supervision, similar to the 2007 Kenyan investigation.
