Dar es Salaam – Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been sworn in for a second term under heavy security following a violent and highly contested election that opposition parties have dismissed as fraudulent.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at a military parade ground in Dodoma and was closed to the public, though it was broadcast live on state television. President Samia secured 98 percent of the vote, after key opposition figures were either arrested or blocked from contesting.
International observers have expressed concern over the credibility of the election and the widespread violence that followed. Reports from rights groups and local opposition figures indicate hundreds of deaths, though authorities have not confirmed the figures. The UN human rights office cited at least 10 confirmed deaths in three cities, while opposition party Chadema claimed more than 800 people were killed. A diplomatic source told the BBC that at least 500 deaths had been credibly documented.
During her victory address, President Samia described the elections as “free and democratic” and labelled the protesters “unpatriotic.” Chadema, which was barred from participating, rejected the results outright, calling for a new poll. It accused the electoral commission of releasing figures that did not reflect what happened at polling stations, many of which were reportedly deserted. Despite this, officials claimed voter turnout reached 87 percent.
A nationwide internet shutdown has made it difficult to verify the extent of the violence or obtain independent reports. Meanwhile, food and fuel prices have soared, schools remain closed, and public transport has been suspended in several regions.
Police spokesperson David Misime accused motorbike operators and foreign nationals of fuelling unrest, saying some individuals had entered Tanzania “illegally with the intention of causing chaos” in Arusha, Mbeya, Mwanza, Dar es Salaam and Songwe. He urged citizens to report any unknown foreigners to authorities.
Amid reports of missing Kenyan nationals in Tanzania, Kenyan activist Hussein Khalid said he had received information about a Kenyan teacher killed in the unrest, with others still unaccounted for.
The international community has called for calm, with Pope Leo XIV urging prayers for peace and the European Union’s foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas appealing for restraint. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was “deeply concerned” about the situation, citing reports of deaths and injuries.
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