Tanzania’s President Suluhu Hassan condemns violence in inauguration speech
Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan urged national unity and condemned recent acts of property destruction in her victory speech, following an election in which she secured 98% of the vote.
She appealed to Tanzanians to “stand together as a nation,” stressing that violence and vandalism during post-election protests were neither patriotic nor responsible.
Hassan urged "unity and solidarity" in her speech, but she also claimed that some of the young demonstrators were from "outside Tanzania."
"Our defence and security agencies continue to investigate and examine in detail what happened," she added.
The election, held on 29 October 2025, has attracted significant global attention due to the exclusion of major opposition parties and reports of unrest in key cities. Concerns about the fairness and inclusiveness of the process have sparked debate among international observers.
Suluhu, who initially assumed the presidency in 2021, now faces the challenge of addressing criticism regarding democratic practices while consolidating her mandate. Her leadership will be closely scrutinised as she navigates these political pressures.
For investors and the international community, the election outcome raises questions about Tanzania’s political stability, governance, and the broader implications for democracy in East Africa. The president’s call for unity seeks to reassure citizens and external stakeholders alike.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
