Dar es Salaam – Following a presidential directive, the Tanzanian government continues to release youths arrested in connection with the unrest that followed the October 29, 2025, General Election, with 607 having been freed as of November 25, 2025. 

Minister of Constitution and Legal Affairs, Juma Homera, announced on Wednesday, November 26, that the prosecution has dropped various charges against these individuals, allowing them to leave custody and return to civilian life

The move is based on a Presidential directive issued by President Samia Suluhu Hassan on November 18, 2025, during her address to the 13th Parliament. 

The Head of State instructed the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to review the cases, noting that many of the arrested youths—some facing serious offences such as treason—may have simply “followed the crowd” or did not know what they were doing. 

The President, acting as a mother and guardian, asked the legal organs to “re-examine the offences” and specifically directed the DPP’s office to “filter the levels of offence” and release those only driven by the crowd.

READ MORE:  Treason Charges Dropped Against Hundreds of Tanzanian Youths Following Presidential Directive 

According to Minister Homera, a total of 2,045 people were arrested nationwide following the demonstrations that occurred on Election Day, which were countered by a heavy use of force by state organs. 

Out of this total, 1,736 suspects are expected to be released as the comprehensive review of their files continues.

The Minister, who updated the public after visiting the DPP’s office in Dodoma on November 26, provided a detailed breakdown of the 607 youths released up to November 25, 2025, confirming the process is ongoing.

Separately, the court in Njombe District released four suspects on November 26 who had also been facing treason charges related to the October 29 unrest. This group included Stanley Mbembati, the regional secretary for the ACT-Wazalendo party.

READ MORE: DPP Withdraws Treason Cases Against Another 220 Linked to Election Unrest  

While thanking the President for this compassionate step, Homera affirmed that the release process only happens after a “thorough and satisfying investigation” to ensure those being freed are cleared to leave custody. 

In the Njombe case, five other co-accused were not released but were instead charged with the new offence of malicious damage to property under section 326 (1) and (6b) (f) of the law, although they were granted bail. Their case is scheduled for mention again on December 3, 2025.