Mon Nov 03 12:07:32 UTC 2025: Summary:
Samia Suluhu Hassan has been sworn in for a second term as President of Tanzania after winning a landslide victory in a recent election. However, the election has been marred by controversy, with the main opposition party barred from running and widespread protests erupting across the country. The opposition claims the election was a “sham” and alleges that hundreds of people have been killed in clashes with police. There are also concerns about an internet blackout and reports of police targeting opposition members. International organizations have expressed concern about the violence and human rights situation in Tanzania.
News Article:
Tanzania Swears In President Amidst Deadly Election Protests
Dodoma, Tanzania – Samia Suluhu Hassan was sworn in for her second term as President of Tanzania on Monday, following a landslide victory in a highly contested election. The ceremony, held at a military base in Dodoma, was closed to the public amid heightened security following days of deadly protests.
Hassan’s victory, securing nearly 98% of the vote, has been met with fierce opposition. Chadema, the main opposition party, was barred from participating in the election, leading to accusations of a “sham” vote. The party has called for fresh elections.
Protests erupted across the country on election day, resulting in clashes between demonstrators and police. Chadema claims that hundreds of people have been killed, alleging that police used tear gas and live ammunition against protesters. A diplomatic source has confirmed credible reports of hundreds, possibly thousands, of deaths.
An internet blackout has been in place since the protests began, fueling concerns that authorities are using the disruption to target opposition members and suppress information about alleged atrocities.
The United Nations human rights office has reported credible accounts of at least ten deaths. Tanzania’s Foreign Minister denies the use of “excessive force” and claims the government has no official figures on protester deaths.
Hassan’s tenure has been marked by increasing criticism over human rights concerns. Local and international watchdogs have raised alarms about election-related violence and repression, with reports of escalating attacks, disappearances, and torture of critics. The disqualification of Chadema from the election has further fueled concerns about the fairness and legitimacy of the democratic process in Tanzania. The situation remains tense, particularly in the commercial capital, Dar-es-Salaam, where shops remain shuttered and streets are largely empty.
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