Tanzanians observed a somber anniversary on October 29, marking the first year since the election-related violence that resulted in significant loss of life. Official reports confirmed that at least 518 people lost their lives during the unrest. On this day, rights activists and diplomats renewed their calls for a new constitution, accountability, and electoral reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The families of those killed or still missing continued to mourn and seek answers from the authorities. Although protests planned for the day did not take place due to a police ban, religious leaders hosted memorial services. These services were used to call for national healing, repentance, and reconciliation. The Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition outlined ten recommendations to address the underlying causes of the violence and strengthen safeguards against future unrest.
A commission of inquiry led by retired Chief Justice Mohamed Chande Othman concluded that over 518 people had died in suspicious circumstances, with thousands more injured and others missing. The need to confront the circumstances that led to the bloodshed is at the centre of the debate, including concerns about the constitutional and electoral framework.
The Tanzania Episcopal Conference president and bishop of Lindi, Wolfgang Pisa, emphasized that the country must allow truth to guide its decisions rather than distorting facts to suit particular interests. He stated that national reflection on the violence must include an honest evaluation of whether the current constitution and electoral laws can ensure free, fair, and secure elections in the future.
The Catholic Church's message was supported by the Archbishop of Mwanza, Renatus Nkwande, who urged Tanzanians to pray for justice and peace, and to move beyond mutual accusations and focus on national healing. Cardinal Protase Rugambwa also emphasized the importance of remembering those who died, saying that we should not forget their contribution to their families and communities.
The national coordinator of the rights lobby THRDC, Onesmo Ole Ngurumwa, said the country needed practical measures to strengthen peace, protect human rights, and prevent a recurrence of bloodshed. Among the coalition's key proposals is an accelerated process towards a new constitution, supported by a clear timetable and meaningful participation by citizens, political parties, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders.
Various stakeholders, including the Council of Imams and foreign diplomatic missions, also marked the anniversary. The British High Commission in Tanzania remembered all those who lost their lives during the violence, while extending its condolences to the bereaved families and others affected. The US Embassy in Tanzania also remembered those who lost their lives and the families who continue to mourn their loved ones and seek answers about what happened.
Key points
- At least 518 people lost their lives during the election-related violence in Tanzania last year.
- The Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition outlined ten recommendations to address the underlying causes of the violence.
- Religious leaders and stakeholders called for national healing, repentance, and reconciliation, as well as a new constitution and electoral reforms.
