Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan

Dodoma – Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan was sworn in for a new term on Monday, calling for national unity following a highly contested 2025 general election marred by widespread protests and accusations of rigging. The ceremony, held behind closed doors at State House rather than in a public stadium as is customary, came as opposition leaders rejected the results and international observers questioned the vote’s integrity. Hassan’s ruling party declared a landslide victory, but reports of violence, internet blackouts, and low voter turnout have cast a shadow over the process, raising fears of further unrest in the East African nation.
The inauguration followed days of bloody clashes between security forces and demonstrators, with unverified reports suggesting hundreds of deaths. As Tanzania grapples with the aftermath, the event highlights deepening divisions in a country known for its relative stability, prompting calls for dialogue and potential reforms to restore trust in the electoral system.
Hassan Calls for Unity in Inaugural Address
In her speech to officials and foreign dignitaries, Hassan urged “unity and solidarity” while alleging that some young protesters were from “outside Tanzania.” “Our defence and security agencies continue to investigate and examine in detail what happened,” she said, promising a return to normality. The president played down the violence, focusing on reconciliation, but her remarks did little to quell opposition anger over what they describe as a stolen election.
The electoral commission announced Hassan won with 98 percent of the vote, a figure that has fueled skepticism given the opposition’s boycott and reports of irregularities. The main opposition party, Chadema, which was barred from running, has rejected the results outright, calling last Wednesday’s vote a “sham” and demanding fresh elections. Chadema told media it had recorded “no less than 800” deaths by Saturday, though these figures could not be independently confirmed.
Schools and colleges remained closed on Monday, with public transport halted and some church services skipped the previous day due to safety fears. The government has not acknowledged any deaths, rejecting claims of “excessive force” by police.
Widespread Protests and Internet Shutdown
Election day descended into chaos despite a heavy security presence, with large crowds tearing down Hassan’s posters and attacking police and polling stations. Polling stations were largely empty before the violence erupted, as seen by journalists and observers, though the commission later claimed an 87 percent turnout.
A total internet blackout was imposed since protests began on election day, lasting until late Monday, severely limiting information flow. Cybersecurity monitors reported partial restoration on Monday, but significant restrictions on social media persisted. An intermittent connection was confirmed in some areas, but the outage has been criticised as a tool to suppress dissent.
A diplomatic source indicated credible reports of hundreds – possibly thousands – of deaths at hospitals and clinics nationwide. A rights group in neighbouring Kenya shared footage allegedly from Tanzania showing dead bodies in streets, though images remain unverified. Police circulated messages threatening punishment for spreading panic-inducing content online.
Pope Leo XIV called for prayers on Sunday, noting post-election violence with “numerous victims” and urging dialogue over violence. The ceremony’s private setting at State House, rather than a public venue, reflected heightened security concerns.
SADC Observers Criticise Election Standards
An initial report by Southern African Development Community (SADC) observers, released Monday, stated the election “fell short of the requirements of the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections.” They reported censorship, opposition exclusion, and a “tentative conclusion” that Tanzanians “could not express their democratic will.”
Observers faced challenges consulting stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), due to missing accreditation letters. Some officials demanded these before meetings, while others did not. Stakeholders were reluctant to share info, referring observers to the foreign ministry.
In Tanga Town, observers endured aggressive questioning by security, had documents seized (later returned), and were forced to delete mission photos. The report cited “covert acts of intimidation” against the population and opposition, including abductions of activists.
Persistent barriers for women and youth participation were noted, such as limited funding and patriarchal norms. In rural areas, elders preferred married candidates over youth. The mission observed low turnout, empty polling centres, and suspicions of ballot stuffing with stacked ballots seen in boxes.
Domestic observers were largely absent, and internet outages hindered closing and counting observations in most areas. Despite 70% of stations free of campaign materials and 93% opening on time, the overall process lacked credibility.
Opposition’s Rejection and Calls for New Vote
Chadema, the main opposition, boycotted the election after being barred, rejecting results as fraudulent. They demand new polls, citing violence and irregularities. Leader Tundu Lissu, in exile, has called the vote rigged, urging international intervention.
Amnesty International described a “wave of terror” pre-election, with high-profile abductions. Despite security, crowds attacked stations on voting day. The commission’s 87% turnout claim contrasts with empty stations observed.
Economic and Social Context
Tanzania’s economy grew 5.1% last year, driven by tourism and mining, but poverty affects 26 million. Hassan’s term has seen liberalisation, but critics say democratic space has shrunk. She rose to power in 2021 after John Magufuli’s death, promising reforms but facing ruling party resistance.
The election saw low female candidates (three of 17 presidential). Youth face barriers like viewing politics as “dirty.” Persons with disabilities numbered 49,174 voters, but participation issues persist.
International Reactions and Path Forward
SADC urged using legal channels over violence. The AU and UN have called for calm. The US and EU expressed concern over blackout and violence, potentially affecting aid.
Hassan, seeking to cement power, faces ruling party critics. The private inauguration and speech downplaying protests suggest efforts to restore order, but opposition vows to fight on.
As internet returns partially, more details may emerge. Tanzania’s stability is key for East Africa; a prolonged crisis could impact trade and security. For now, the nation waits for calm while opposition pushes for change.

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Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan Sworn In Amid Controversy Over Disputed 2025 Elections

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