Tanzanian President Blames Foreigners for Post-Election Violence
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan today blamed foreigners for the deadly protests that erupted following last week’s disputed election, as she was sworn in for a second term amid heightened tensions.
In her first public statement since the inauguration, President Hassan acknowledged the “loss of lives” and stated that “those arrested were from other countries,” though she provided no further details. The unrest followed a vote in which two main opposition candidates, Tundu Lissu and Luhaga Mpina, were barred from challenging her bid for reelection. Demonstrations broke out in major cities on October 29th, prompting the deployment of the military to assist police in quelling the riots. Internet access remains intermittent across the East African nation, disrupting daily life and commerce.
Reports of casualties vary, with the U.N. human rights office confirming credible reports of at least 10 deaths in Dar es Salaam, Shinyanga, and Morogoro. However, Charles Kitima, secretary general of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference, claimed “hundreds” have died, citing reports from local communities. The opposition Chadema party has rejected the election results as having “no basis in reality.” This election is particularly significant as it tests the country’s democratic progress following years of restricted political freedoms, as detailed in reports by Human Rights Watch.
Regional leaders attended the swearing-in ceremony in Dodoma, including the presidents of Mozambique, Zambia, Burundi, and Somalia. Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema urged Tanzanians to avoid violence, while Kenyan President William Ruto called for dialogue to maintain stability. The violence has also impacted regional trade, with the Namanga border crossing to Kenya closed, causing agricultural goods to spoil. You can find more information about Tanzania’s political landscape here.
President Hassan vowed to unite the country and urged security agencies to restore normalcy, promising justice for those who lost loved ones.
