Samia tells off US, Western nations over 'interference in Tanzania’s domestic affairs'

Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan has criticised several Western nations, including the US, for their remarks about the country's handling of internal affairs such as murders and kidnappings.

"We're not here to be told how to run our country," Samia stated on Tuesday during an event in the Moshi area of the north eastern Kilimanjaro region.

Without specifically naming any embassies, Samia referenced gun violence in the US, highlighting that such incidents "happen in every country". She said Tanzania has "never directed its ambassadors to interfere in other nations' internal affairs".

Her remarks came in response to a statement from the US Embassy on September 9 which called for an independent investigation into the murder of Ali Mohamed Kibao, the former leader of Tanzania's main opposition party, CHADEMA.

Kibao's mutilated body had been discovered in Dar es Salaam the previous day.

On September 10, a joint statement from the EU head of mission, along with the British and Canadian high commissions and the Norwegian and Swiss embassies, expressed concern over "recent reports or acts of violence, disappearances, and deaths of political and human rights activists" in Tanzania.

Reaffirming her government's resolve to protect and uphold the Constitution without external interference, Samia called on foreign diplomats to "not act as technicians guiding" Tanzania on governance matters.

"We have sworn to protect the security of Tanzania and defend the constitution of Tanzania, and we will do everything possible to enhance the protection and security of Tanzania because it is our responsibility, and on this responsibility, we need no direction from anyone," she asserted.