The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Related Articles
The Government of Tanzania has issued its first public reaction to CNN’s investigative documentary highlighting widespread unrest after the October 29 presidential election.
In a brief statement released on November 21, the government said it is currently “reviewing and verifying” the findings presented in the CNN exposé, which documented deadly confrontations and disturbing scenes across the country.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Channel
CNN had authenticated videos showing overcrowded morgues, matching accounts from witnesses who reported numerous casualties during the protests.
“The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania has noted a documentary recently released by CNN regarding the events of October 29, 2025. The government is reviewing and verifying the contents,” said government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa.
He added that a formal response will be issued once the assessment is complete.
The statement follows a CNN investigation that examined geolocated videos, audio files, witness testimonies and satellite images capturing the extent of the unrest before and after President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner with 98 per cent of the vote.
CNN also reported that satellite imagery showed disturbed ground at Kondo cemetery, north of Dar es Salaam — an area human rights groups and witnesses believe may have been used for burials linked to the protests.
Following the election, authorities enforced a curfew and shut down internet access. When online services partially resumed, police were said to have restricted the circulation of images and videos that could “cause panic.”
Government officials initially insisted that no protesters had died.
However, last week President Suluhu admitted there had been casualties, though she did not provide numbers. She also announced a commission to look into the unrest and suggested that some demonstrators may have been influenced or funded externally. She further hinted that some protesters might have crossed in from a neighbouring country.
CNN noted that government and police officials did not respond to its requests for comment.
The UN Human Rights Office, citing various sources, estimated that hundreds of civilians and protesters may have been killed, with an undetermined number injured or detained.
CNN and open-source researchers reviewed photos and videos from Sekou-Toure Regional Referral Hospital in Mwanza and Mwananyamala Hospital in Dar es Salaam, depicting victims and full morgue areas.
In Mwanza, images showed several bodies placed on a stretcher outside the hospital. A doctor who spoke anonymously said they treated people with gunshot injuries over several days and that the morgue soon became overwhelmed.
In Dar es Salaam, verified footage showed multiple bodies on the floor at Mwananyamala Hospital, though the Ministry of Health dismissed the video as fake.
One woman, who asked to remain anonymous, said she identified her brother among those photographed, claiming he died during protests near their home.
