A member of Tanzania’s commission of inquiry into violence linked to the October 2025 general election said on Tuesday that some witnesses told investigators they had been promised money to participate in the unrest.
Speaking to editors and journalists in Dar es Salaam, Said Mwema, retired Inspector General of Police, said the commission gathered testimonies from tens of thousands of people, including individuals who admitted involvement in the violence.
“Among the more than 63,000 people we met face-to-face, as well as those who submitted written statements and messages, some explained how they were recruited to participate in these acts,” Mr Mwema said.
He said the witnesses included motorcycle taxi riders, food vendors and members of different community groups who acknowledged taking part in the events in one way or another.
Mwema also said the commission had found evidence suggesting that the violence was organised and financed.
“Evidence, including incidents, images and other material presented to us, showed clearly that more than 16 methods were planned and used to ensure these acts succeeded,” he said.
According to Mwema, the violence spread across 202 locations, including the Dar es Salaam areas of Magomeni, Kimara, Kinyerezi and Ubungo.
“No one on the commission simply imagined these conclusions. We heard directly from witnesses who themselves admitted what happened,” Mwema said.
The commission was established to investigate violence that erupted during and after Tanzania’s October 29, 2025 general election. Its report has fuelled debate over accountability, political tensions and the organisation of the unrest.
