Johannesburg, South Africa — A government-commissioned inquiry into the violence surrounding Tanzania’s October general election has confirmed that 518 people lost their lives in the aftermath, a figure that contrasts sharply with opposition estimates and has sparked widespread skepticism.
The commission, led by Mohamed Chande Othman, reported that the majority of the deceased, 490, were male, with 28 females and 21 children among the victims.
The deaths were attributed to “unnatural causes” following the election, with 197 resulting from gunshot wounds, and other causes including trauma and excessive bleeding.
However, the opposition and human rights groups have dismissed the report as a “cover-up,” suggesting the actual death toll is significantly higher. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who won the election with 98% of the vote, has defended the security forces and expressed that lessons would be learned from the incident. Opposition leaders and human rights advocates argue that the government’s figure is a gross underestimation, with some estimates suggesting thousands were killed.
The commission’s inability to substantiate claims of mass graves and allegations of image manipulation using AI technology has further fueled skepticism.
The report, which also cited economic, political, and social issues as contributing factors to the violence, recommended a national day of mourning, free medical care for victims, and the drafting of a new constitution by 2028. It also proposed a criminal inquiry into accountability.
As Tanzania grapples with the aftermath of the election, the international community has expressed concern over the state of democracy and human rights in the region.
The African Union Election Observer Mission noted that the elections did not comply with AU principles and standards for democratic processes.
The UN Human Rights Office has called for a thorough investigation into the violence, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.
The situation in Tanzania underscores the complexities of post — election violence and the challenges of establishing the truth in the face of conflicting narratives.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africanews
Source: Dominic Wabwireh
