An official inquiry into Tanzania’s 2025 general election unrest has found that at least 518 people died, marking the first time authorities have publicly disclosed the scale of the violence.  

The report, led by a commission chaired by retired Chief Justice Mohamed Chande Othman, said many of the deaths were from “unnatural causes,” including 197 people who were shot dead during protests.  

The commission did not assign direct responsibility for the killings but recommended further investigations into the incidents.  

The violence followed the October 29, 2025 election, in which President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner. Opposition groups had disputed the outcome, alleging irregularities and lack of transparency.  

Footage verified at the time showed clashes between protesters and security forces, including scenes of police using tear gas and live ammunition to disperse crowds.  

President Samia said the unrest had “shaken the nation” and pledged that lessons would be learned from the findings. She also defended the actions of security agencies, saying they had prevented wider instability.  

The report is expected to play a key role in shaping future reforms, accountability measures, and efforts toward national reconciliation.