Tanzania’s commission of inquiry into the 2025 election unrest has revealed that some individuals were paid or promised money to take part in the violence, reinforcing claims that the disturbances were organised rather than spontaneous.

A member of the commission, Said Mwema, said investigators gathered testimonies from more than 63,000 people, including participants who admitted they had been recruited and incentivised to join the unrest.  

According to the findings, those involved included motorcycle taxi riders, small traders, and members of community groups—suggesting a broad mobilisation effort across different social groups.  

The commission also pointed to evidence that the violence was coordinated and financed, with more than 16 different tactics reportedly used to spread unrest across multiple locations simultaneously.  

Incidents were recorded in at least 202 locations nationwide, including several areas in Dar es Salaam such as Magomeni, Kimara, Kinyerezi and Ubungo, indicating the scale and spread of the violence.  

The inquiry—established to investigate unrest following the October 2025 general election—has intensified debate over accountability, with its findings raising questions about the organisation, funding, and drivers of the violence.  

The report adds to earlier conclusions that the unrest may have been planned and executed by coordinated groups, even as broader discussions continue over responsibility, political tensions, and the path toward national reconciliation.