Tanzania incurred Sh125bn economic loss following election unrest

Dar es Salaam. The Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the October 29, 2025 election violence has revealed that Tanzania suffered an economic blow of Sh125 billion.

Commission chairperson Mohamed Chande Othman presented the findings on April 23, 2026.

The report paints a sobering picture of a crisis rooted in deep structural weaknesses.

It further concludes that the unrest was deliberately orchestrated and financed rather than being a spontaneous outburst.

The inquiry found that the violence was neither isolated nor accidental.

Instead, it resulted from accumulated grievances interacting with immediate triggers.

Evidence gathered by the Commission showed coordinated planning and mobilisation of groups across multiple locations.

Justice Othman noted that the inquiry lasted 153 days and covered 11 regions.

It involved testimonies from over 1,300 witnesses and thousands of citizen submissions.

Five broad causes for the unrest were identified by the Commission.

Political governance failures featured prominently in the findings.

Many citizens raised concerns over electoral credibility and the independence of national institutions.

There were also widespread calls for constitutional reforms.

Socio-economic pressures played a central role in the escalation of tensions.

High living costs, unemployment, and tax burdens were cited as significant factors.

Governance weaknesses further compounded the national friction. Testimonies highlighted corruption and a declining level of public trust.

Unresolved cases of disappearances were also noted as a source of public anger. Weak local government responsiveness and poor service delivery added to the volatility.

Finally, the Commission pointed to international dynamics.

It noted that external interests can influence domestic stability, particularly in resource-rich nations.

The human cost of the violence was equally devastating.

The President acknowledged approximately 518 deaths and more than 2,390 injuries.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan described the report as a "comprehensive national diagnosis."

She emphasised that these losses have had deep and lasting consequences for families and the nation.

The President pledged a multi-pronged approach to recovery and accountability.

Government support will be extended to uninsured small businesses to aid their recovery.

President Samia stated that the government would assess their losses to help them resume operations.

She also committed to supporting victims with medical treatment.

This includes providing assistive devices for those who suffered life-altering injuries.

The President urged the nation to act with discipline to prevent any recurrence of such events.

Accountability remains a central pillar of the government’s response.

A special criminal investigation team will be formed to identify those who planned and financed the violence.

This team will investigate looting, unresolved deaths, and missing persons.

It will also look into incidents that occurred beyond the initially identified hotspots.

The President signaled that firm legal action would be taken against those responsible for the breach of peace.

President Samia also cautioned against foreign interference.

She revealed that the Commission uncovered the involvement of external elements seeking to exploit instability.

To move forward, she announced plans for a national reconciliation commission.

The findings of this new body will inform the resumption of the constitutional reform process.

The President called for unity and collective responsibility in rebuilding the nation.

This report marks one of the most extensive inquiries in the history of Tanzania.

It underscores the complexity of the crisis and the scale of the task ahead.

The President reaffirmed her commitment to lead the country through this period with courage and vigilance.

She concluded by urging all Tanzanians to learn from this experience and move forward with renewed purpose.

The nation now transitions from a period of reflection to one of decisive action.