Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has officially taken the oath of office for a new term, following a fiercely contested election that has stirred both celebration and controversy.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at the State House in Dodoma, drew top government officials, diplomats, and senior members of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party.
President Samia’s re-election, with a declared 97.66 percent of the vote, has been shadowed by claims of irregularities, arrests of opposition members, and allegations of widespread voter intimidation — issues that have prompted concern from international observers and human rights organizations.
Her inauguration not only extends CCM’s decades-long dominance but also ushers in a pivotal moment for Tanzania’s political trajectory.
Samia, who first assumed leadership in 2021 following the death of former President John Magufuli, has now become the first woman in Tanzania’s history to win a full presidential term in her own right.
However, the road to victory was fraught with controversy. Major opposition parties, including Chadema, accused the government of manipulating the electoral process, citing cases of voter suppression and the detention of key political figures.
Despite the outcry, the government maintains that the elections were peaceful, transparent, and reflective of the people’s will.
President Samia is expected to deliver her inaugural address later today, where she is likely to emphasize national unity, economic recovery, and the strengthening of diplomatic ties.
Political analysts, however, note that her greatest challenge lies in rebuilding public trust and opening up Tanzania’s democratic space, which many believe has narrowed in recent years.
Since taking office, Samia has sought to project a softer and more inclusive image than her predecessor — engaging regional partners and international institutions while maintaining firm control at home.
As she embarks on her new term, all eyes are on how she balances reform, stability, and freedom in a nation eager for both progress and political openness.
By TV47