Tanzania: 518 dead, zero named commanders

At least 518 people died from unnatural causes during the unrest following Tanzania’s October 2025 general election, according to a government-appointed panel.

The Chande Commission, led by retired Chief Justice Mohamed Chande Othman, determined that many of the victims suffered gunshot wounds. Othman noted the death toll could be higher because some families buried relatives without notifying morgues or the commission.

Human Rights Watch agrees with that assessment. Oryem Nyeko, the group’s senior Africa researcher, stated that the actual number of dead is far greater than the 518 presented by the commission.

The violence erupted after the main opposition candidate, Tundu Lissu, was arrested and charged with treason in April 2025. His party, the Tanzanian Party for Democracy and Progress, was barred from the vote. Protesters on election day demanded political reforms and the resignation of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

In Mwanza, a woman identified as Raha said her nephew, whom she raised, died during the protests. She described the lack of official contact as a failure of basic acknowledgment. “The government should have asked for forgiveness for what happened. Even just offering condolences,” she said.

Analysis by Deutsche Welle reviewed dozens of videos, police guidelines, and a leaked internal report. The evidence suggests police units often acted beyond their training. Footage showed the Field Force Unit, recognizable by red berets, appearing repeatedly at scenes of violence. In Dar es Salaam, uniformed officers were filmed beating civilians with sticks. In Mwanza, videos captured the bodies of young men reportedly killed while watching television in a video hall.

Police guidelines limit the use of firearms to situations where it is absolutely necessary. Despite this, documentation showed protesters with apparent gunshot wounds to the head and upper body. Others were shot while fleeing or standing outside during a government-imposed curfew. Security analyst Nicodemus Minde pointed out that the commission left key questions open. “The Commission did not really tell us who was responsible and why,” he said.

The Chande Commission recommended further investigation but did not name specific security bodies, officers, or commanders. A second inquiry, chaired by retired Justice Shaban Ally Lila, began gathering evidence in August 2026. Its findings are still pending. The Ministry of Home Affairs declined to comment on the allegations, citing an ongoing legal process. Police had not responded to requests for comment by publication time.

For bereaved relatives, the official responses have not restored trust. Zuri, whose name was changed for safety, lost her brother and her son in the violence. “We lost our children; we lost our brothers. Why hasn’t the government taken any initiative to at least visit us?” she asked. “They behave as if nothing happened. Is this justice? There is no justice in Tanzania.”