A government-commissioned inquiry has unveiled that 518 individuals perished during the violent aftermath of Tanzania's last elections. These findings, reported by a commission led by Mohamed Chande Othman, highlight one of the nation's gravest political upheavals in recent memory.
The commission suggested that the true death toll may be even higher, as some families opted to bury their relatives without hospital records, complicating the verification process.
The unrest erupted on October 29, driven by youth protests against government restrictions on opposition. The crisis was exacerbated by legal actions against opposition figures, with one prominent candidate excluded from the ballot.
In addition to the fatalities, thousands sustained injuries, with over 800 suffering from gunshot wounds. The report also noted that 245 individuals remain unaccounted for, with families alleging that some bodies have disappeared from morgues.
While the commission dismissed claims of mass graves, it confirmed the violence was orchestrated and occurred in various locations simultaneously, undermining peace during the protests.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan vowed to implement reforms following these findings. She announced the establishment of a reconciliation commission and an investigative body to hold accountable those implicated in the violence and its planning.
The government intends to revisit the firearm policies used during the clashes and examine reports of missing persons and alleged abductions. These findings are anticipated to shape future constitutional reforms and enhance prevention measures against similar incidents.
