Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan emerged victorious with a landslide win in the recent election, securing over 31.9 million votes, equivalent to 97.66% of the total votes cast. The election, which sparked deadly protests nationwide due to the exclusion of her main opponents, was marred by violence and unrest.
Protests broke out during the voting process, with demonstrators venting their frustration by tearing down banners, setting fire to government buildings, and clashing with security forces. The exclusion of Hassan’s key challengers from the race and reported arrests and abductions of opposition figures fueled public anger.
In response to the protests, President Hassan, speaking from Dodoma, condemned the actions of the demonstrators as irresponsible and unpatriotic. She emphasized the importance of maintaining national security and ensuring the safety of Tanzania.
The main opposition party, Chadema, alleged that hundreds of people lost their lives during the protests, while the United Nations human rights office confirmed at least 10 fatalities in various cities. The government disputed the opposition’s death toll as exaggerated and defended its human rights record.
Following the unrest, authorities imposed a nationwide curfew and enforced internet restrictions. The disruption led to the cancellation of international flights and hampered operations at Dar es Salaam’s port, impacting fuel imports and metal exports across the region.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for a thorough investigation into allegations of excessive force, expressing concern over the loss of lives. The government denied accusations of disproportionate force, attributing the incidents to isolated criminal activities.
Critics questioned the high voter turnout, given the discrepancies compared to the previous election. President Hassan, who succeeded Magufuli in 2021, faced scrutiny for alleged crackdowns on dissent despite initial praise for easing government repression.
Throughout her campaign, Hassan highlighted achievements in infrastructure development and energy sector enhancements. Despite the election challenges and ensuing turmoil, Tanzania remains at a critical juncture under President Hassan’s leadership.