Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been sworn in for a second term, following one of the most controversial elections in the country’s history.
The ceremony took place on Monday, November 3, at the national military parade grounds in Dodoma, under tight security and closed to the public.
Only government officials, diplomats, and senior military officers were allowed entry, while the rest of the country watched via the state-run Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC).
Chief Justice George Masaju administered the oath of office, as the president pledged to uphold the Constitution and serve all Tanzanians faithfully.
“I, Samia Suluhu Hassan, swear that I will be faithful to the United Republic of Tanzania and preserve and protect the Constitution in accordance with the law. So help me God,” she declared.
After taking the oath, Suluhu inspected a guard of honour, received a 21-gun salute, and was serenaded by military bands in a ceremony that blended tradition with tension.
Claims of Vote Rigging and Internet Blackout
The October 29 polls were fiercely disputed by opposition parties, who dismissed the results as “a total sham.” They accused the ruling party of intimidation, mass arrests, and deliberately blocking several opposition figures from contesting.
International observers echoed these concerns, condemning the widespread violence and a nationwide internet shutdown that began on election day.
What kind of swearing ceremony is this, only government officials are present! pic.twitter.com/11kJAp8V6z
— The Kenyan Vigilante (@KenyanSays) November 3, 2025
Human rights groups say the blackout crippled access to information and made it nearly impossible to verify reports of post-election killings.
According to the opposition party CHADEMA, more than 700 people were killed in clashes with security forces.
The UN human rights office confirmed 10 deaths in three cities and called for independent investigations.
Despite these reports, the Tanzanian government has continued to downplay the unrest, insisting that peace and stability have been maintained.
Samia Defends Election as Democratic
In her inaugural speech, President Samia rejected the allegations of fraud, describing the election as “free and democratic.” She blamed the protests on “unpatriotic elements” seeking to destabilise the country.
She urged Tanzanians to move past division and focus on development. “The election has shown our strong democratic maturity,” she said, calling for national unity and faith in the country’s institutions.
But questions linger over the credibility of the vote. If the allegations are true, what future awaits Tanzania’s democracy under her renewed leadership?
Kenya’s Deputy President Kithure Kindiki represented President William Ruto at the inauguration, conveying Nairobi’s goodwill message and urging Tanzanians to embrace peace and dialogue.
Samia, who first assumed office in 2021 after the death of John Magufuli, now faces the daunting task of rebuilding public trust and restoring Tanzania’s global image, dented by accusations of human rights violations and political repression.
Her second term could define Tanzania’s democratic future — either as a chance for renewal or a return to authoritarian excess.
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