Zack Abdul
JF-Expert Member
- Mar 9, 2026
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Tanzania’s Commission of Inquiry : Riots Were Planned, Funded, and Strategically Coordinated
Africa J&L Correspondent, Dar es salaam
A commission of inquiry has concluded that recent riots and demonstrations were not spontaneous, but instead carefully planned, coordinated, and financed. According to the findings, those behind the unrest also recruited and trained individuals to carry out acts of violence.
The report states that vulnerable groups, including youths and motorcycle taxi operators known as bodaboda riders, were paid between TZS 10,000 and 50,000 over a period spanning October 12 to 28. In addition to financial incentives, recruits were reportedly offered training, employment opportunities, and promises of higher income.
In one case cited by the commission, a 16-year-old boy from USA River in Arusha was allegedly given TZS 50,000 and promised up to TZS 5 million in exchange for active participation in the unrest.
Investigators identified at least 16 different tactics used to organize and mobilize participants. These included setting up roadblocks, burning public property, using signals to identify one another, and triggering disturbances in multiple locations at the same time apparently aimed at overwhelming law enforcement.
The commission says the organizers had several objectives, including disrupting the general election process, sending a message to the government, and engaging in looting and theft.
The findings were presented by Justice Othman Chande. #UkweliOktoba29 #TumeYaUchunguziReport #NeverAgain
Africa J&L Correspondent, Dar es salaam
A commission of inquiry has concluded that recent riots and demonstrations were not spontaneous, but instead carefully planned, coordinated, and financed. According to the findings, those behind the unrest also recruited and trained individuals to carry out acts of violence.
The report states that vulnerable groups, including youths and motorcycle taxi operators known as bodaboda riders, were paid between TZS 10,000 and 50,000 over a period spanning October 12 to 28. In addition to financial incentives, recruits were reportedly offered training, employment opportunities, and promises of higher income.
In one case cited by the commission, a 16-year-old boy from USA River in Arusha was allegedly given TZS 50,000 and promised up to TZS 5 million in exchange for active participation in the unrest.
Investigators identified at least 16 different tactics used to organize and mobilize participants. These included setting up roadblocks, burning public property, using signals to identify one another, and triggering disturbances in multiple locations at the same time apparently aimed at overwhelming law enforcement.
The commission says the organizers had several objectives, including disrupting the general election process, sending a message to the government, and engaging in looting and theft.
The findings were presented by Justice Othman Chande. #UkweliOktoba29 #TumeYaUchunguziReport #NeverAgain
