Over 500 Individuals Lost Their Lives In The 2025 Tanzania Election Violence

A commission appointed by the government has reported that the electoral violence in Tanzania last year resulted in a minimum of 518 fatalities.

The commission of inquiry established to investigate the violence has announced that a total of 518 individuals lost their lives in Tanzania due to “unnatural causes” following the widespread protests that erupted after last year’s general election.

Commission chairman Mohamed Chande Othman refrained from identifying the responsible parties for the deaths and recommended conducting further investigations.

Security forces have faced accusations from opposition parties and human rights groups for conducting a severe crackdown on anti-government protesters.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan was announced as the winner of the 29 October election, receiving 98% of the vote—an outcome the opposition labeled a “mockery” of democracy.

The president stated that the election was conducted fairly and transparently, attributing the violence to foreign interference, which she claimed was part of a conspiracy to unseat her.

Last year, international observers expressed concerns regarding the transparency of the vote, with the African Union and the Southern Africa bloc SADC stating that the election did not meet democratic standards.

Last year, videos shared online revealed that protesters faced heavily armed police units that obstructed their path and deployed tear gas to break up the gatherings. In numerous videos, the sound of gunfire is distinctly audible as individuals flee amidst the resulting turmoil.

The extent of the election violence in Tanzania was startling for a country that had maintained an image of tranquility, unity, and stability for almost sixty years.