President Samia Hassan sworn in for second term
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan was officially sworn in for her second term on Monday, in a heavily guarded ceremony that underscored the nation’s deep political divisions following a disputed election plagued by violence and opposition boycotts.
The inauguration unfolded at a military parade ground in the capital Dodoma, a stark departure from the customary public celebrations held in open stadiums. Access was strictly limited to invited guests, with the event closed to the general public and broadcast live on state television.
Among the attendees were several regional heads of state, including the presidents of Somalia, Zambia, Mozambique, and Burundi, who joined a select group of dignitaries in witnessing the proceedings.
President Samia, who claimed a landslide victory with 98 percent of the vote, faced no major challengers after key opposition leaders were imprisoned or barred from running. The election, however, has drawn sharp international condemnation for alleged lack of transparency and a brutal government response to protests.
Human rights organizations and independent observers have documented hundreds of deaths during post-election clashes, though Tanzanian authorities have minimized the toll. Efforts to verify the casualties independently have been severely restricted by a total internet shutdown imposed on voting day, which remains in effect.
Dressed in her trademark red headscarf and dark sunglasses, President Samia solemnly took the oath of office before delivering a address. She commended the electoral commission for overseeing a process of “unquestionable efficiency” and expressed regret over the fatalities and property damage, describing the unrest as a “stain” on Tanzania’s reputation.
In a notable claim, she revealed that investigations have uncovered the involvement of foreign nationals in fueling the disturbances, pledging that security forces are actively pursuing those responsible.
Monday’s ceremony caps a remarkable journey for Samia Suluhu Hassan, who ascended to the presidency in 2021 after the sudden death of her predecessor, John Magufuli. Yet, the shadow of unrest hanging over her re-election has intensified global worries about eroding democratic norms and human rights in this East African powerhouse.
