Tanzania Report: 518 People Killed in Election Violence
A government inquiry found that 518 people were killed during election violence in Tanzania last October. The report was released Thursday and commissioned by President Samia Suluhu, who won re-election with 97.66% of the vote.
A government-appointed commission revealed Thursday that at least 518 people died in violence during Tanzania's October elections. The inquiry was ordered by President Samia Suluhu, who was re-elected with 97.66% of the vote.
The report marks the first official acknowledgment of the deadly crackdown's scope. Human rights groups had estimated hundreds and possibly thousands were killed, making this Tanzania's deadliest election period.
The scale of violence was particularly shocking for Tanzania, which had maintained an image of calm and stability for nearly six decades. President Suluhu said the violence "shook our nation" when she received the report.
The opposition has rejected the commission's findings. Details about what the report blames for the violence are still emerging, though some sources suggest it points to outside forces.
Tanzania had been considered one of East Africa's most peaceful countries, making the election violence especially jarring for both citizens and international observers.
This is the first time Tanzania's government has admitted the scale of deadly violence during elections. The deaths shocked a nation that had been seen as stable and peaceful for nearly 60 years.
The government will likely face pressure to implement the commission's recommendations and hold people accountable.
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