Suluhu Govt Reacts After CNN Exposé Confirms Tanzania Post-Election Massacre
CNN’s findings had shown police officers and unidentified armed units allegedly using deadly force on unarmed civilians in Arusha and Dar es Salaam, then burying victims in mass graves to hide the real death toll.
Marvin Chege 
Tanzania’s government has responded to a new CNN investigative report that exposed alleged widespread extrajudicial killings, mass graves, and what appears to be a major cover-up by President Samia Suluhu's administration after the October 29 presidential election.
The documentary — released on Friday, November 21 and produced by international correspondent Larry Madowo with Gianluca Mezzofiore and Florence Davey-Attlee — pulled together eyewitness accounts, geolocated clips, satellite data, and forensic video breakdowns to dispute the official government version of events.
CNN’s findings had shown police officers and unidentified armed units allegedly using deadly force on unarmed civilians in Arusha and Dar es Salaam, then burying victims in mass graves to hide the real death toll.
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While authorities initially insisted that only 10–20 people died in the chaos, CNN’s evidence pointed to a much higher number.
In its statement, the Tanzanian government said it had taken note of CNN’s documentary and is now reviewing the material. Permanent Secretary of Information, Arts and Sports & Chief Government Spokesperson Gerson Msigwa added that the state is carrying out its own verification process.
"The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania has taken note of a documentary recently published by CNN regarding the events of 29th October 2025.
“The Government is currently reviewing and verifying the contents of the documentary. An official response will be issued upon completion of this assessment," the statement read in part.
CNN’s investigation went on to feature authenticated footage of fatal shootings in Arusha, including a pregnant woman shot in the back as she ran from a police barricade, and a young man killed at close range. Forensic analysis confirmed neither victim was a threat, with protesters only carrying rocks or sticks.
Additional video from Mwananyamala Hospital in Dar es Salaam showed morgue rooms overloaded with bodies stacked high. The Health Ministry dismissed the clips as fabricated, but CNN verified the timestamps, metadata, and locations.
Maxar satellite imagery also revealed freshly dug sections at Kondo Cemetery in Kunduchi, consistent with accusations of mass burials.
Earlier this month, President Suluhu condemned the deadly unrest and destruction that erupted after the election. Speaking at her inauguration on Monday, November 3, she said the violence did not reflect the country’s true identity and added that some of those arrested were not Tanzanians.
"We are deeply shocked and saddened by the loss of life and the destruction of both public and private property. What happened does not reflect the image or reputation of Tanzania, nor does it represent the true spirit of being Tanzanian.
"It is therefore not surprising that some of the youths arrested for such behaviour were found to have come from outside the country," she said.
The country is currently under pressure from neighbouring Kenya with regards to the whereabouts of a Kenyan teacher who was shot dead in Dar es Salaam during the post-election unrest.
According to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, John Ogutu, who taught at Sky Schools iHi Rabson, was killed on October 29 around 7 pm at Goba Centre in Ubungo District amid heightened tensions following the general elections.
