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Tanzania's Samia Suluhu Hassan sworn in for second term amid election violence and opposition boycott
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan was inaugurated for a second term on Tuesday in a tightly secured ceremony in Dodoma, following an election marred by deadly protests and dismissed by opposition groups as fraudulent. The event, held at a military parade ground instead of a public stadium, was broadcast live on state television but closed to citizens.
Election results and opposition rejection
Hassan was declared the winner on Saturday with 98% of the vote, facing minimal opposition after key rivals were either imprisoned or disqualified. The main opposition party, Chadema, which was barred from participating, rejected the results, calling them "baseless" and demanding a new election. Polling stations reportedly remained largely empty on election day, though officials later claimed an 87% turnout.
The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, in power since independence, has never lost an election. Rights groups, including Amnesty International, had condemned pre-election repression, citing enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings-allegations the government denied.
Violence and communication blackout
Post-election clashes left hundreds dead, according to opposition and diplomatic sources. The Chadema party reported "no less than 800" fatalities, while a UN source cited at least 500 deaths. Authorities, however, downplayed the toll, with police blaming "foreign nationals" for instigating unrest. A nationwide internet shutdown since election day has hindered independent verification.
Residents described harrowing conditions. One woman, identified only as Mama Kassim, told the BBC she had not seen her 21-year-old son since Wednesday: "I don't know if he's arrested, injured, or dead. Oh God, protect my son." Another Tanzanian stranded in Dar es Salaam said he had sent his last $4 to his family for food but feared they were now starving.
Economic and social fallout
Prices for food, fuel, and essentials have doubled or tripled in many areas. Schools and colleges remain closed, and public transport has halted. During her inauguration speech, Hassan ordered authorities to "immediately restore normalcy" but did not address the internet blackout or allegations of repression.
International reactions and calls for restraint
Global leaders expressed alarm. Pope Leo XIV urged prayers for victims, while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for restraint and transparency. Police spokesman David Misime accused "illegal foreign operatives" of fueling chaos and urged citizens to report suspects.
Reports emerged of missing Kenyan nationals, including a teacher allegedly killed. Activist Hussein Khalid said several Kenyans remained unaccounted for, raising regional tensions.
Background: A contested political landscape
Hassan first assumed office in 2021 after the death of President John Magufuli, becoming Tanzania's first female leader. Her re-election campaign faced no serious challengers: opposition leader Tundu Lissu is jailed on treason charges he denies, while Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo was disqualified on technical grounds. Only 16 fringe parties, with negligible historical support, were permitted to run.
"The truth is that no genuine election took place in Tanzania."
Chadema party statement to AFP
