Tanzania’s Samia Hassan Sworn In Amid Controversial Election and Protests

DODOMA, Tanzania — President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been sworn in for a second term, following a controversial election that has sparked widespread protests and violence across the country. The inauguration took place at a military parade ground in Dodoma on Monday, closed to the public amid tight security and broadcast live on state television.

Hassan, declared the winner of the October 29 election with nearly 98% of the votes, faced limited opposition as major rivals were either imprisoned or barred from contesting. Observers from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have expressed serious concerns, calling the election a “sham” due to intimidation, censorship, and restrictions on opposition.

The election was marked by violence that reportedly resulted in hundreds of deaths, although the government has claimed that these figures are exaggerated. The United Nations human rights office indicated it verified at least 10 fatalities in several cities during protests. Estimates from the opposition suggest that as many as 800 people could have died.

Hassan expressed remorse over the violence while addressing the dignitaries at her inauguration, acknowledging the loss of lives and damage to property. “It is a blot on Tanzania’s image,” she stated. Amid the unrest, major cities like Dar es Salaam have seen shops closed and public transport halted, with many residents remaining indoors.

The internet was shut down immediately after the election, hampering communication and making it difficult to verify claims of violence or gather detailed reports from the ground. Activists have shared messages of those unaccounted for, with many families still searching for loved ones.

Opposition party Chadema has rejected the election results and called for new elections, maintaining that the process lacked integrity. The party’s spokesperson termed the elections as illegitimate, stating, “No genuine election took place in Tanzania.” The atmosphere remains tense with calls for justice and reforms, as human rights violations continue to be reported.

As the newly sworn-in President, Hassan faces mounting scrutiny from both local and international observers. Despite past reforms intended to promote democracy, critics argue that her administration has reverted to oppressive practices reminiscent of her predecessor, John Magufuli. Following the inauguration, Hassan called for unity and collaboration but acknowledged the need for change in the wake of unrest.