Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan was on Monday sworn in for a second term in office amid heavy security, following an election that has been widely condemned by the opposition and international observers.
The ceremony, held at a military parade ground in the capital city, Dodoma, was closed to the public and broadcast live on state television. This marks a departure from the usual open-air inauguration in a stadium.
President Samia, dressed in a red headscarf and dark glasses, took the oath of office before regional leaders and foreign dignitaries, including the presidents of Somalia, Zambia, Mozambique and Burundi.
Election Marred by Violence
Samia was declared the winner of Saturday’s presidential poll with 98 percent of the vote. Most of her major rivals had either been jailed or disqualified from the race.
The opposition and human rights groups have rejected the results, calling the process a “sham” marred by violence and intimidation. Chadema, the main opposition party which was barred from the election, claimed that “no genuine election took place” and called for a fresh vote.
International observers have voiced concerns about the credibility of the exercise and the scale of violence that followed. Opposition figures and civil society groups allege that hundreds of people were killed during protests.
According to Chadema, at least 800 people have lost their lives, while diplomatic sources told the BBC that the death toll could be around 500. The United Nations, however, reported at least ten confirmed deaths across three cities.
The government has downplayed the scale of the unrest, while a nationwide internet shutdown has made it difficult to verify reports.
Families in Distress
In parts of the country, grieving families continue to search for missing loved ones. One woman, identified only as Mama Kassim, told the BBC that she has not seen her two sons since election day.
“I don’t know where he is. I don’t know if he’s been arrested, injured, or killed. Oh God, protect my son. He’s only 21,” she said tearfully.
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Another resident of Dar es Salaam said he has been unable to return home due to transport shutdowns. “I sent my last 10,000 shillings to my family to buy food, but it ran out. My children are hungry,” he said.
Samia Calls for Calm
In her speech after taking the oath, President Samia expressed regret over the loss of lives and destruction of property, describing it as a stain on Tanzania’s image.
She praised the electoral commission for what she called its “unquestionable efficiency” and urged security agencies to investigate the violence. “It is not surprising that some of those arrested are foreigners,” she added.
She also ordered government officials to restore normalcy across the country, as many schools, markets, and transport services remain shut.
Global Reactions
The international community has reacted with concern to the developments in Tanzania.
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UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was “deeply troubled” by reports of killings and injuries, while the European Union’s foreign affairs chief, Kaja Kallas, urged Tanzanian authorities to show restraint and respect human rights.
Pope Leo XIV also called for prayers for peace, noting that the country was experiencing “post-election violence with numerous victims.”
Opposition Silenced
The election took place without the participation of two key opposition figures, Tundu Lissu, detained on treason charges, and Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo, who was disqualified on legal grounds.
Only 16 minor parties, with limited public support, were cleared to participate.
The ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), which has dominated Tanzania’s politics since independence, maintained its grip on power.
Background
President Samia Suluhu Hassan first assumed office in 2021 following the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli. She made history as Tanzania’s first female president.
Rights groups, including Amnesty International, have accused her administration of widespread repression and human rights abuses, claims that the government strongly denies.
Despite pledges of reform, critics say political space has continued to shrink under her leadership.
As the nation watches with unease, many Tanzanians remain uncertain about what the next chapter holds, whether it will bring peace or deepen divisions in the East African country.
Source: BBC
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
