Tanzania Swears In President Hassan While Streets Burn

President Hassan took her oath of office for a second term under heavy security at a military base in Dodoma. The rest of Tanzania continues to face deadly post-election violence. The October 29 election gave President Samia Suluhu Hassan an overwhelming 98% of votes. Opposition parties immediately declared this outcome fraudulent.

The controversial election sparked protests in major cities with tragic consequences. Opposition party Chadema claims at least 800 people died in the unrest. Other sources place the death toll between 500 and over 1,000[-3]. The United Nations human rights office has verified at least 10 deaths in Dar es Salaam and other towns. The crisis has hit ordinary Tanzanians hard economically. Many areas now see basic necessities like food and fuel selling at two to three times their normal prices.

President Hassan takes oath amid tight security

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President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s swearing-in ceremony marked a significant break from tradition. The Tanzanian authorities chose the Tanzania People’s Defense Force parade grounds in Dodoma instead of the customary public stadiums where thousands of citizens gathered.

Security forces established a tight perimeter around the military base for Monday’s ceremony, which remained closed to the public. Citizens watched the proceedings through live broadcasts on the state-run Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation.

The ceremony drew several prominent regional leaders. Presidents from Somalia, Zambia, Mozambique and Burundi attended the event. Other distinguished guests included Zimbabwe’s Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, Uganda’s Vice President Jessica Alupo, Comoros Vice President Moussa Said Moussaidine, and Kenya’s Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.

President Hassan, 65, stands as one of only two female heads of state in Africa. She addressed the ongoing unrest by calling for “unity and solidarity”. Her directives to authorities were clear: “immediately ensure that people’s lives returned to normal”. “Life must continue,” she declared to the assembled dignitaries.

The electoral commission declared Hassan the winner of the October 29 vote, launching her first elected term. She had previously assumed power in 2021 after her predecessor’s death. The ceremony notably excluded independent journalists and foreign press from attendance.

Opposition barred and election results spark outrage

Tanzania’s electoral map changed substantially after authorities barred both major opposition parties from the presidential race. The electoral commission disqualified CHADEMA, the main opposition party, in April because it refused to sign an electoral code of conduct. Its leader, Tundu Lissu, faced treason charges as a result. The commission also excluded Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo, the second largest opposition party, due to legal technicalities. This left President Hassan to compete only against candidates from minor parties.

President Hassan secured 97.66% of votes according to the electoral commission’s official results, which totaled more than 31.9 million ballots[102]. The commission also reported that almost 87% of Tanzania’s 37.6 million registered voters participated in the election[104].

These numbers faced immediate challenges. Opposition groups highlighted that Hassan’s predecessor won re-election in 2020 with just 12.5 million votes from fewer than 15 million people. In fact, many witnesses reported low turnout on election day, and protests disrupted several polling stations[122].

CHADEMA rejected the results outright, declaring they had “no basis in reality, as the truth is that no genuine election took place in Tanzania”. The party called it an “open coup” and labeled the election a “mockery of the democratic process”. ACT-Wazalendo also dismissed the outcome, stating: “They have robbed the people of Zanzibar of their voice”.

Protests erupt as violence spreads across Tanzania

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Tanzania plunged into chaos as violent protests erupted after election day. The death toll remains disputed amid a nationwide internet shutdown. The opposition party Chadema puts the number at 700 deaths from clashes with security forces. Diplomatic sources estimate at least 500 fatalities. The UN human rights office has verified a much lower figure, confirming at least 10 protesters died from security forces who used firearms and tear gas.

The situation in hospitals turned dire quickly. A source at a Dar es Salaam hospital revealed they were “overwhelmed with casualties” since Thursday. Most public hospitals faced similar crises, with morgues reaching full capacity. The violence hit close to home for many residents. One family’s tragedy unfolded when security forces mistakenly shot their relative dead outside a hospital, having confused him for a protester.

The government responded by imposing a nationwide curfew and sending military forces to patrol the streets. The military’s stance hardened when General Jacob Mkunda appeared on state television. He warned of “legal action” against demonstrators, whom he labeled as “criminals”.

The crisis deepened as the government shut down internet access nationwide, which paralyzed communications. Amnesty International’s representative Vongai Chikwanda raised concerns about “security forces using excessive force to suppress and disperse ongoing post-election protests”.

The UN Secretary-General demanded an investigation into claims of excessive force as unrest spread beyond Dar es Salaam to cities like Shinyanga and Morogoro. The situation has forced universities to delay reopening. Kenya’s main border crossing remains shut, leaving trucks full of agricultural products to spoil.

International community reacts to post-election crisis

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UN officials have taken a strong position on the post-election crisis after President Hassan’s disputed win. Reports confirm at least 10 deaths in Dar es Salaam, Shinyanga and Morogoro towns. Secretary-General António Guterres demanded “a thorough and impartial investigation into all allegations of excessive use of force”.

Different regional organizations have responded to the crisis. SADC labeled Tanzania’s election a “sham” that didn’t meet democratic standards. They suggested sending mediators to help with talks between the government and opposition. The African Union took a different approach and congratulated Hassan while reminding her government to protect basic rights.

The international community has voiced its concerns. Canada, Norway, and the United Kingdom released a joint statement to condemn the violence and asked Tanzanian authorities to show restraint. Kenya’s President William Ruto pushed for dialog. Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema urged the Tanzanian people to avoid violence.

The situation has alarmed human rights groups. Amnesty International’s reports suggest at least 100 people lost their lives. Religious figures have added their voices to the discussion. Pope Leo XIV asked for prayers and peace in Tanzania. The Tanzania Episcopal Conference’s Secretary General Charles Kitima stated that “hundreds” had died.

Tanzania faces a defining moment following President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s disputed second-term inauguration. The military presence at the ceremony highlighted the country’s shaky security situation, as protests continue to spread through major cities. Hassan’s victory margin of 97.66% triggered nationwide demonstrations that led to many deaths, though the exact number remains disputed.

The average Tanzanian now struggles with basic survival as food and essential items become harder to find and more expensive. The government’s internet shutdown has left citizens cut off from information during these troubled times. Both major opposition parties, CHADEMA and ACT-Wazalendo, stayed away from the electoral process and rejected the results – a decision that made the crisis worse.

In spite of that, world leaders cannot agree on how to respond. The UN and Western countries have voiced their worries about the violence and demanded investigations. Regional responses vary from SADC’s strong criticism to the African Union’s careful statements. This leaves Tanzania’s future uncertain as President Hassan starts her term amid continuing protests.

The president keeps asking for unity and a return to normal life. Yet her government’s decision to send in troops and impose a nationwide curfew points to tough times ahead. Tanzania’s democratic system now faces its biggest test as the country tries to bring back stability and fix what caused all this anger. The next few weeks will show whether talking can replace fighting and help Tanzania get back to being a peaceful democracy.