DODOMA, Tanzania (FN) — Samia Suluhu Hassan was sworn in Monday for a new term as President of Tanzania following a contentious general election held on October 29. The ceremony, held at State House in Dodoma, was attended by invited dignitaries under tight security and ongoing internet restrictions.
Suluhu, 65, will serve alongside Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi. Her inauguration comes amid widespread criticism from opposition groups and civil society over the credibility of the vote, which the electoral commission said she won with 98% of ballots cast.
The main opposition party, Chadema, was barred from participating in the election and has rejected the results, calling the process a “sham.” The party claims hundreds of people were killed in post-election clashes with security forces, though the government has dismissed those figures as exaggerated.
Authorities imposed a curfew in Dar es Salaam and warned against public demonstrations. Security officials said the measures were necessary to maintain order and prevent further unrest following days of protests.
Suluhu first assumed the presidency in 2021 after the death of President John Magufuli. She is the first woman to lead Tanzania and the first president born in Zanzibar. A longtime member of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, she previously held ministerial roles in both Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania.
This marks her first term as an elected president, solidifying her leadership amid growing regional and international scrutiny over democratic practices in the country.
Kenyan President William Ruto congratulated Suluhu and expressed optimism about continued cooperation between Kenya and Tanzania through the East African Community. “We look forward to working together to advance peace, unity, and development,” Ruto said in a statement.
Ruto also urged Tanzanians to seek peaceful dialogue to address political tensions. His deputy, Kithure Kindiki, represented Kenya at the swearing-in ceremony.
Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye and Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud also extended congratulations, signaling regional support despite the contested nature of the election.
As Suluhu begins her new term, observers say her administration faces mounting pressure to address concerns over political exclusion, civil liberties, and electoral transparency.
