Post by : Rameen Ariff

Samia Suluhu Hassan has officially begun her first elected term as Tanzania’s president after securing a sweeping victory in an election that sparked deadly unrest across the nation.

The 65-year-old leader, who first rose to power in 2021 following the death of her predecessor, was sworn in on Monday at a military base in Dodoma, the country’s administrative capital. Wearing her signature red headscarf and dark sunglasses, Hassan took the presidential oath before senior government officials, military leaders, and foreign diplomats.

According to the official election results, President Hassan won with an overwhelming 97.66% of the vote, cementing her position as Tanzania’s first female head of state. Her main challengers from the two largest opposition parties were disqualified before the polls, leaving only minor party candidates in the race.

However, her victory has been overshadowed by violent protests that erupted during and after the voting process. Demonstrations broke out in several cities last Wednesday, with witnesses reporting instances of arson, tear gas, and live gunfire as security forces clashed with protesters.

The main opposition party has alleged that hundreds of people were killed during the unrest, accusing the government of election rigging and excessive use of force. In contrast, authorities have dismissed those figures as “hugely exaggerated”, though the U.N. human rights office confirmed receiving credible reports of at least 10 deaths across three cities.

The post-election violence has drawn international concern, with human rights advocates calling for calm and urging the Tanzanian government to investigate the killings transparently.

Despite the turmoil, Hassan emphasized unity and peace in her inaugural address, pledging to continue her administration’s development agenda while strengthening democracy and social stability.

“This nation can only progress through dialogue, respect, and national cohesion,” President Hassan said during her oath-taking ceremony.

Hassan’s re-election consolidates her power in Tanzanian politics, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s democratic journey as it grapples with challenges of governance, economic recovery, and civil liberties.

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