Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan was sworn in for her first elected term on Monday after a landslide victory. The tightly controlled ceremony took place at the Tanzania People’s Defence Force parade grounds in Dodoma, an unusual venue for a presidential inauguration traditionally held in a public stadium.
Only select government officials, security chiefs, and invited foreign dignitaries attended the closed-door event. Immediately after taking the oath, President Suluhu received a ceremonial military gun salute. Security forces maintained strict control across the capital, with heavily armed police and soldiers deployed.
Election results spark unrest
The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Suluhu the winner with 97.66 percent of the vote, securing more than 31.9 million ballots. Her victory extends her presidency for a second term. However, several opposition leaders, including Tundu Lissu of Chadema and Luhaga Mpina, were barred from running, raising concerns about fairness.
The election period was overshadowed by violence, opposition boycotts, and a nationwide internet blackout that has now entered its sixth day. The UN Human Rights Office reported at least ten deaths in clashes between protesters and security forces after results were announced. Opposition groups claim the actual toll is much higher.
Calls for peace and unity
In her speech, President Suluhu condemned the unrest, saying foreign agitators were among those arrested. She urged security agencies to restore normalcy and called for calm. “Dialogue is what brings development,” she said, emphasizing unity and peace.
Regional leaders, including the presidents of Somalia, Zambia, Burundi, and Mozambique, attended the inauguration to show support.
Suluhu first became president in 2021, succeeding John Magufuli after his death, becoming Tanzania’s first female leader.
