Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has acknowledged that the violence following last month’s disputed elections has damaged the country’s international reputation, warning that it could hinder economic progress and access to foreign loans.
The unrest erupted after the October 29 presidential elections, where President Samia was declared the winner with 98% of the vote, but the opposition decried the process as undemocratic and were barred from contesting. In response to widespread protests, security forces cracked down under a five-day internet blackout, with hundreds reportedly killed, though official death tolls have not been released. Gruesome images and videos of dead Tanzanians circulated online, shocking a nation that had cultivated an image of calm and order for nearly six decades.
Speaking during the swearing-in of her new cabinet, President Samia stated that the events have “stained” Tanzania’s global image and could “set the country back.” She emphasized that Tanzania relies heavily on loans from international creditors, but “what happened eroded our global credibility.” This admission marks a significant moment for the administration, which faces mounting pressure over the handling of the post-election violence.
The president announced an official investigation into the unrest and urged prosecutors to consider reducing or dropping charges for detained individuals who were not directly involved in the protests. At least 240 people have been charged with treason following the demonstrations, highlighting the scale of the crackdown. Samia’s call for leniency suggests a potential shift in approach amid international scrutiny.
International efforts to mediate are underway, with Commonwealth envoy Lazarus Chakwera, Malawi’s former president, set to lead “constructive dialogue” during a four-day mission to Tanzania. He will consult with government officials, political party leaders, civil society, and other stakeholders to foster reconciliation. This intervention comes as the country grapples with deep political divisions.
Economically, Samia cautioned that her next term could bring challenges, noting that securing financial support from international banks may not be easy due to the tarnished image. “In the first term, we used to get loans from outside due to our stability and the progress we made. But the stain we brought upon ourselves could now hinder that,” she said. She urged a focus on mobilizing domestic resources and harnessing Tanzania’s God-given assets to mitigate reliance on external funding.
The cabinet reshuffle included the appointment of her daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, as deputy education minister, while her husband, Mohamed Mchengerwa, remains as health minister. Seven members of the previous cabinet lost their positions, indicating a reorganization aimed at addressing the crisis. Samia, who came to power in 2021 after the death of President John Magufuli, was initially praised for easing political repression, but the space has since narrowed, raising concerns about democratic backsliding.
Looking forward, the president’s remarks highlight the imperative to restore trust and stability. The investigation into the unrest and the Commonwealth-led dialogue will be crucial in determining Tanzania’s path to recovery, both in terms of internal cohesion and its standing on the global stage.
