Tanzania election inquiry confirms 518 deaths in post-poll violence

A government-appointed commission of inquiry has officially confirmed that at least 518 people died from “unnatural causes” during the violence that followed Tanzania’s October 2025 general election.

Commission chairman Mohamed Chande Othman presented the findings to President Samia Suluhu Hassan on April 23, 2026, noting that the death toll—which includes 490 males, 16 security officers, and 21 children—is likely higher as many victims were buried privately by families.

The report states that 197 of these victims died specifically from gunshot wounds, with significant fatalities concentrated in Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, and Arusha.

The inquiry identified the unrest as a reaction to a “lack of patriotism” and pre-planned political mobilisation rather than peaceful protest, arguing that the demonstrations were unlawful because they lacked the required police notice.

While President Hassan defended the security forces for preventing “anarchy,” the commission recommended further criminal investigations into the use of firearms, as some witnesses claimed loved ones were shot inside their homes.

Additionally, the report noted that 245 people remain missing and over 2,000 were injured during the crackdown, which was shielded at the time by a nationwide internet blackout.

The findings have been immediately dismissed by the main opposition party, Chadema, which labelled the report a “whitewash” and a “cover-up” of regime crimes.

Opposition leaders, who have previously estimated the death toll at over 1,000, criticised the commission for lacking independence since it was appointed by the president herself.

Despite the controversy, the commission has called for a national day of mourning and proposed that a new constitution be drafted by 2028 to foster long-term national reconciliation.