Tanzania's longstanding reputation as a bastion of stability in East Africa has suffered significant damage following last month's contentious elections, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has publicly acknowledged. The political unrest that erupted after the disputed polls has raised serious concerns about the country's democratic credentials and international standing.
President's Stark Warning About National Setback
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of her new cabinet, President Samia delivered a sobering assessment of the situation. The 65-year-old leader warned that the recent violence could potentially set the country back in its development trajectory. She particularly emphasized the economic implications, noting that Tanzania heavily relies on loans from international creditors, and the recent events have eroded the nation's global credibility.
Samia was declared the winner of October's presidential election with an overwhelming 98% of the vote. However, the credibility of these results remains in question as the opposition was barred from contesting the elections, leading them to denounce the process as a mockery of democracy.
Violence and Internet Blackout After Elections
The aftermath of the October 29 elections saw significant unrest that shocked a nation known for nearly six decades of calm and order. According to opposition claims, hundreds of people may have died when security forces moved to crush protests under the cover of a five-day internet blackout that severely limited information flow.
Authorities have yet to release an official death toll from the violence, but gruesome images and videos of dead Tanzanians have circulated online following the restoration of internet services. The digital blackout prevented real-time documentation and reporting of the events as they unfolded.
International Response and Domestic Measures
In response to the crisis, Malawi's former president Lazarus Chakwera, serving as the Commonwealth envoy, is scheduled to arrive in Tanzania to lead reconciliation efforts between the government and opposition parties. This international intervention highlights the seriousness of the political crisis.
Domestically, President Samia has taken some steps to address the situation. Last week, she 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 face treason charges following the post-election demonstrations.
The current political turmoil presents a significant challenge for President Samia, who came to office in 2021 following the death of President John Magufuli. While she initially received praise for easing political repression, the political space has since narrowed, raising concerns among democracy advocates about Tanzania's democratic future.
