On November 3, 2025, President Samia Suluhu Hassan was officially inaugurated for her second term as the President of the United Republic of Tanzania. This ceremony followed a contentious general election on October 29, 2025, where she achieved a resounding victory with approximately 98% of the vote, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission. The event unfolded against a backdrop of widespread demonstrations, claims of electoral misconduct, and a prolonged nationwide internet outage.
Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan swearing-in ceremony in …
Election Context and Official Outcomes
The 2025 Tanzanian general elections encompassed the selection of the president, National Assembly members, and local ward councilors. President Hassan, representing the long-dominant Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, encountered minimal competition due to the disqualification of major opposition candidates. Key figures such as Tundu Lissu from the Chadema party and Luhaga Mpina from ACT-Wazalendo were excluded on legal grounds, including allegations of treason, which they have refuted. Consequently, the ballot included representatives from 16 minor parties with limited popular backing.
Results announced on November 1, 2025, showed President Hassan garnering over 31.9 million votes from a total of 32.7 million, representing 97.66% of the ballots cast. Officials reported an 87% voter turnout, a statistic disputed by opposition groups who described polling stations as sparsely attended. Opposition leaders denounced the results as illegitimate, insisting that no credible election took place and advocating for a rerun.
Ceremony Proceedings and Security Measures
The inauguration was held at the Tanzania People’s Defense Force parade grounds in Dodoma, diverging from customary public venues like stadiums. This decision was influenced by elevated security risks arising from post-election instability. Strict protocols were enforced, with substantial deployments of armed police and military forces.
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Access was limited to invited dignitaries, encompassing government officials, security leaders, and international representatives. Attendees included regional heads of state such as Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, Mozambican President Daniel Chapo, and Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye. Vice presidents from Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Comoros, along with Kenya’s Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, were also present. Public attendance was prohibited, though the event was televised live on state media.
President Hassan, dressed in a red headscarf and dark glasses, administered her oath of office, affirming her dedication to the role. The ceremony concluded with a military gun salute.
Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan swearing-in ceremony in …
Inaugural Address and Key Declarations
In her address, President Hassan praised the electoral commission for its “unquestionable efficiency” in managing the process. She lamented the post-election violence as a regrettable blemish on Tanzania’s reputation, acknowledging fatalities and property damage. She noted that certain detainees linked to the disturbances were non-citizens and confirmed ongoing investigations by security agencies. To foster stability, she instructed officials to normalize daily operations, addressing issues like inflated commodity prices, school shutdowns, and transportation disruptions.
Surrounding Protests and Allegations
The inauguration coincided with persistent protests and a six-day internet blackout initiated before the election. Chadema and other opposition entities reported over 700 deaths from confrontations with security forces during the electoral cycle. The United Nations Human Rights Office verified at least 10 fatalities across three cities, while a diplomatic assessment indicated up to 500 possible deaths. Government statements attributed the unrest to motorcycle operators and foreign elements, encouraging public vigilance.
Tanzania’s President sworn in amid disputed election and deadly …
International observers, including Amnesty International, have condemned the electoral management, highlighting repression, abductions, and opacity. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed profound concern regarding the violence, and European Union foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas urged moderation. Pope Francis appealed for prayers amid the turmoil.
Future Implications
President Hassan’s renewed tenure commences under intense examination, with demands for electoral reforms and national reconciliation from opposition factions and global organizations. As Tanzania addresses these challenges, priorities include restoring tranquility, mitigating economic impacts, and reinforcing democratic integrity in a country where the CCM has held power since independence.
Sure Media Magazine 