BREAKING: A commission of inquiry in Tanzania says 518 people died from “unnatural causes” following widespread protests after last year’s general election....
A commission of inquiry in Tanzania says 518 people died from “unnatural causes” following widespread protests after last year’s general election. The findings were announced after months of investigations into one of the country’s deadliest periods of political unrest.
Commission chairman Mohamed Chande Othman released the report but did not assign direct blame for the deaths. Instead, he recommended further criminal investigations to determine responsibility.
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The violence followed the October 29 general election in which President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared winner with 98 percent of the vote. Opposition parties rejected the result and described the election as lacking credibility.
International observer groups also raised concerns over the voting process. The African Union and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) said the election did not fully meet democratic standards.
Opposition parties and rights groups had accused security forces of using excessive force against demonstrators. Videos verified at the time showed police confronting protesters with tear gas and gunfire in several locations.
Speaking after receiving the report, President Samia said the events had shaken the nation. She said government would learn lessons from the unrest while defending the role of security agencies.
“We have learnt,” she said, adding that authorities had prevented the country from descending into disorder.
The report said 490 of those who died were men, while 21 were children and 16 were security officers. It added that the total could be higher because some victims were buried without official reporting.
More than 2,000 people were injured, including 120 security officers. Dar es Salaam recorded the highest number of deaths at 182, followed by Mwanza with 90.
The commission said claims of mass graves could not be confirmed. It also alleged that some images shared online had been manipulated using artificial intelligence.
Investigators identified economic, political and social grievances as drivers of the protests. These included unemployment, demands for reforms and dissatisfaction with the political system.
The report said politicians and activists encouraged public participation in demonstrations. It added that the protests were not peaceful or lawful under existing legal standards.
Opposition parties criticised the nine-member commission before and during its work. They argued it could not be fully independent because it was appointed by the president.
The inquiry began work on November 20 and gathered evidence from victims, citizens, political leaders and security agencies across the country. Some hearings were held privately.
The commission has recommended free medical treatment and psychosocial support for victims. It also proposed a national day of mourning for those who died.
Other recommendations include a criminal inquiry to establish accountability, a new constitution by 2028 and a reconciliation commission before the next election.
