Tanzania has been thrust into political turmoil following the recent presidential election, which saw President Samia Suluhu Hassan declared the winner with an overwhelming 97% of the vote.
However, the election has been marred by widespread controversy, deadly protests, and a fierce rejection of the results by the main opposition party.
The opposition accused the electoral process of being unfair and undemocratic, pointing to the exclusion of key rivals from the presidential race. This sparked violent protests across the country, with reports of dozens of deaths and significant destruction of property.
The unrest has been described as the most intense and widespread since Tanzania’s independence in 1961, shaking the nation’s political stability.
Despite the turmoil, President Suluhu was sworn in for her second term under tight security, emphasizing her determination to maintain order and continue her leadership.
In a statement addressing the crisis, President Suluhu expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and destruction, asserting that such violence is “not Tanzanian at all.”
Her message called for calm and unity, urging citizens to reject violence and work towards peaceful coexistence.
The government has condemned the protests, labeling them as attempts to destabilize the country, while vowing to uphold law and order.
Meanwhile, international observers and human rights groups have called for restraint and dialogue to resolve the political impasse.
As Tanzania navigates this challenging period, the nation faces a critical test of its democratic institutions and social cohesion.
The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining whether peace can be restored and whether the political divisions can be bridged for the country’s future stability.
By Newshub