The government of Tanzania has reacted to a new CNN investigative documentary that uncovers alleged extrajudicial killings, mass graves, and a large-scale cover-up following the country’s October 29 presidential election.
The documentary, released on Friday, November 20, was produced by international correspondent Larry Madowo alongside Gianluca Mezzofiore and Florence Davey-Attlee.
It draws on on-the-ground reporting, forensic video analysis, geolocated footage, satellite imagery, and witness testimony to challenge the government’s official narrative.
CNN’s reporting documents how police and unidentified armed patrols allegedly responded with lethal force, killing unarmed civilians in Arusha and Dar es Salaam, and later concealing the true scale of deaths through mass burials.
The Tanzanian government initially claimed that only 10–20 people died in riots, while CNN’s evidence indicates a significantly higher toll.
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In a statement, the Tanzanian government acknowledged the CNN documentary and stated that it has formally taken note of its contents.
Permanent Secretary of Information, Arts and Sports & Chief Government Spokesperson Gerson Msigwa further said that it is carrying out its own review and verification of the documentary’s material.
"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.
CNN’s investigation includes verified footage of fatal shootings in Arusha, where a pregnant woman was shot in the back while fleeing a police barricade, and a young man was executed at point-blank range.
Forensic frame-by-frame analysis confirmed that neither victim posed any threat, showing protesters only armed with rocks or sticks.
Additional footage from Mwananyamala Hospital in Dar es Salaam shows morgue rooms overwhelmed with bodies stacked from floor to ceiling.
The Health Ministry dismissed the images as fake but CNN cross-checked timestamps, locations, and metadata to validate the footage.
Additionally, satellite imagery from Maxar Technologies further indicated recent digging at Kondo Cemetery in Kunduchi, consistent with alleged mass graves.
Earlier in the month, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu condemned the unrest that led to the loss of life and destruction of property following the elections in Tanzania.
Speaking during her inauguration ceremony on Monday, November 3, Suluhu said the violent incidents do not reflect the true character of the nation.
She further revealed that some of the individuals arrested during the protests were not Tanzanian citizens.
"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.
