Tanzania Government to Provide Free Medical Care and Resources for Victims of 2025 Protests
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The Tanzanian government officials have confirmed that there will be free medical care for all the people affected by the violence after the October General Elections in 2025, as outlined by the Presidential Commission of Inquiry on the violence report.
The report found that there was significant human suffering, which included fatalities and thousands of injuries throughout the nation.
Speaking during the official presentation of the report in Dar es Salaam, the Chairperson of the Commission, retired Chief Justice Mohamed Chande Othman, addressed President Samia Suluhu Hassan, stating that the scale of impact required urgent state intervention.
The report confirmed that more than 500 Tanzanians died in the violence during and after the General Election of October 2025.
Further, the Commission detailed that as of 31 March 2026, the number of injured persons who had been treated in public and private health facilities stood at 2,390, with the majority being civilians.
It noted that, “2,270 were civilians, representing 95.0 percent, while 120 were officers and members of defence and security organs.”
Chief Justice Othman emphasized that the violence left a wide spectrum of injuries, adding that, “219 persons sustained serious injuries, including 197 caused by gunshots,” while thousands more suffered minor wounds requiring medical attention.
Injuries and Medical Findings
The report highlighted that many victims required long-term treatment and rehabilitation.
According to the Commission, “2,171 persons sustained minor injuries and were treated and discharged,” while a significant number suffered gunshot wounds affecting both upper and lower parts of the body.
Importantly, the Commission stated that medical evaluations confirmed that no injured person had been subjected to torture.
It also recognized that there could still be unidentified victims, mentioning displacement and migration across borders, especially in areas like Mbeya, Songwe, Arusha, and Mara.
Short-Term Recommendations
Among the immediate measures proposed, the Commission urged the government to ensure that victims living with disabilities receive “free medical treatment, including assistive devices and prostheses.”
It also recommended a National Day of Mourning for those who lost their lives.
In addition, the report called for urgent psychosocial interventions, stating the need for “a rapid assessment of psychological and social effects in affected areas.”
It further recommended the establishment of a constitutional reform process, arguing that “a New Constitution should be in place by 2028.”
The Commission also proposed the creation of a National Reconciliation and Consensus Commission to address political and social divisions, alongside an Advisory Council of Elders to support mediation efforts.
Leaders from Africa and other parts of the world are attending the swearing-in of Tanzania’s president. PHOTO/TBC.
Medium -Term Recommendations
The Commission recommended that the government improve accountability measures so that “the authorities listen to the concerns of citizens and act upon them in time.”
It also recommended that public service recruitment be done based on merit, without any political influence.
It emphasized the importance of border security measures, youth oversight initiatives, and community policing mechanisms.
The report also recommended improvements in resource management practices, stressing that there must be no discrimination or corrupt practices in the distribution of opportunities provided to youths.
It also suggested budgeting reforms to focus on economic empowerment of the population and disaster management system reforms to account for civil unrest situations.
Also Read: DCI Nets Tanzanian Suspect in Murder of Kisauni Schoolgirl After Month-Long Search
Long-Term Recommendations
In the long-term framework, the Commission recommended reinstating mandatory National Service for students completing advanced education, noting that, “it would instill patriotism and self-reliance.”
It also proposed structural reforms in security agencies, including residential arrangements for officers to reduce conflicts of interest and enhance operational integrity.
Concluding his presentation, Chief Justice Othman expressed gratitude to the Head of State.
“Let me conclude by reiterating my gratitude to you, Your Excellency, President Samia Suluhu, for the great confidence you placed in the Commission,” Othman stated.
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Tanzania Police officers. PHOTO/Africa News.
