Award-winning Nigerian investigative journalist David Hundeyin will release a new documentary. It examines international media coverage of violence after Tanzania’s October 2025 General Election. The film is titled What Happened on October 29? Hundeyin presents this work from Ghana, where he is based.
The documentary seeks to offer a deeper account of the unrest. This followed the ruling CCM party's declared victory. President Samia Suluhu Hassan leads the party. Hundeyin states that international reporting overlooked key aspects. It also failed to explore certain events sufficiently. The journalist spent months investigating the election incidents. His research included interviews with people inside and outside Tanzania. He also reviewed local and foreign media reports.
This documentary fits into a broader conversation about African narratives. Hundeyin wants to encourage more African-led storytelling. He believes African journalists must shape continent-wide stories. Many international reports on the Tanzanian election were simplistic. Hundeyin argues that the truth is much more complex. His work suggests organised violence. It involved both domestic and external actors. The global narrative missed the wider political context. More than 500 people reportedly died in the violence. An inquiry chaired by retired Chief Justice Mohamed Chande Othman provided findings.
Hundeyin stated the project encourages more African-led storytelling. "The story that was told to the world was a simple one, but the truth is far more complex," Hundeyin said. "There were other actors involved, and other agendas at play." He is the founder of West Africa Weekly and The Spearhead. His past reports appeared on CNN and Al Jazeera.
The documentary's release prompts questions about media responsibility. It highlights the need for nuanced reporting on African political events. Decision-makers and audiences will watch to see if it shifts perceptions. This work could influence how future African elections are covered. It also underscores the role of Ghanaian-based journalists in continental discourse. Increased focus on Tanzanian political events is expected.