President Samia Suluhu Hassan has officially been sworn in for her second term in office during a private ceremony held at the Military Parade Grounds in Dodoma, Tanzania. The event, which took place under tight security, came after a disputed election that sparked deadly protests across the country.
Suluhu, who was declared the winner with over 97 percent of the vote on October 29, claimed that the demonstrators involved in the post-election chaos were not Tanzanian citizens but youths from neighboring countries. Her comments came as Tanzania remains under a media and communication blackout, with reports of internet shutdowns, power cuts, and shortages of fuel and food.
The inauguration was attended by a few African leaders, including Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema, and Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo. Most East African heads of state, including Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, skipped the ceremony and sent representatives instead.
In the run-up to the elections, Suluhu faced strong criticism after top opposition figures, including CHADEMA leader Tundu Lissu and ACT-Wazalendo’s Luhaga Mpina, were either arrested or disqualified from the race. Reports suggest that more than 500 people have lost their lives during the unrest, as protests erupted nationwide demanding fair elections and political reforms.
Despite the turmoil, President Suluhu is expected to lead Tanzania until 2030, pledging to maintain stability and unity in the country.
