Wamuzi News Ke
A group of Tanzanian lawyers has filed a petition at the International Criminal Court (ICC), seeking to open a case against President Samia Suluhu Hassan. They allege she was involved in serious human rights violations following the disputed 2025 election, including killings, abductions, and torture.
The legal team argues the alleged actions amount to crimes against humanity and are part of a coordinated campaign by security forces targeting civilians. The petition calls on ICC prosecutors to begin a preliminary investigation into the president and senior government officials.
For President Samia, this move heightens scrutiny on her governance and international standing. Critics have long accused her of drifting toward authoritarianism, especially in the wake of election-related violence. Supporters, on the other hand, see the case as politically motivated.
If the ICC accepts the case, lawyers say they will collect testimonies, medical reports, and forensic evidence to build a strong case. A formal investigation could put her administration under sustained global pressure.
Observers say a successful ICC process could reshape Tanzania’s political future and set a precedent for holding top leaders accountable for alleged widespread abuses.
For now, all eyes will be on the ICC prosecutor’s next move — whether they will proceed and whether this case will lead to a historic trial or a political resolution.
