Dar es Salaam – A high-level delegation from the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) has arrived in Tanzania for engagement with key actors around the events surrounding the October 2025 elections, marking a significant escalation in international scrutiny of the crisis.
The AWLN delegation, led by former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde, arrived in Dar es Salaam to gather firsthand information about the October 29, 2025, election violence.
The visit is part of a broader international mission to engage political parties and civil society across Africa in documenting and reviewing the events that led to the deaths of hundreds of people.
The AWLN is an African Union and United Nations-supported movement launched in 2017 to enhance women’s leadership in Africa’s transformation.
It fosters a continent-wide network of leaders focused on peace, governance, and development, aligning with Africa Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
High-level engagements
Upon arriving in Dar es Salaam, the delegation met with President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the State House to discuss the progress of the ongoing investigation into the October 29 events. President Samia expressed appreciation for the visit and the constructive dialogue held during the meeting.
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“I reaffirm the government’s commitment to strengthening peace, unity, and social cohesion, while continuing with governance and institutional reforms designed to enhance national stability,” a State House press release quoted President Samia.
The Head of State further emphasised Tanzania’s intention to maintain engagement with stakeholders at national, regional, and global levels.
On April 20, 2026, the delegation also met with representatives of the main opposition party, CHADEMA, which had boycotted the October elections.
Represented by Deputy Chairperson (Tanzania Mainland) John Heche and Secretary General John Mnyika, the party presented its official Central Committee resolution detailing alleged human rights violations and acts of brutality.
CHADEMA called for an independent investigation, accountability for perpetrators, and stronger safeguards for democracy and the rule of law.
Sustained pressure
The AWLN delegation’s arrival closely follows the conclusion of a visit by the Commonwealth Special Envoy, Dr Lazarus Chakwera.
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The former Malawian president’s visit stemmed from the 71st Meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group, which placed the country on the Commonwealth monitoring mechanism.
These successive high-level visits underscore the sustained international attention on the political crisis.
The October 29 protests, which coincided with the general election, were met with the use of force by security forces, including live ammunition, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries. The period was also marked by a nationwide internet shutdown and the arrest of journalists.
The AWLN leaders are expected to continue their consultations with government officials, religious leaders, civil society organisations, and women’s groups.
Their goal is to advance women’s empowerment and inclusive development whilst finding an exact explanation for why the events occurred and how the nation can move forward.
The international engagement comes at a critical time, as the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the October 2025 events is expected to table its report by April 23, 2026, following a second extension of its deadline.
