Samia Suluhu sworn in for second term as Tanzania’s President after election marred by violence

Samia Suluhu Hassan has been sworn in as Tanzania’s President for a second term, in a ceremony that took place on Monday, October 3, 2025, at the military parade grounds in Dodoma, the nation’s capital.

Samia was declared the winner of the October 29 election with 97 per cent of the vote, facing little competition as key rival candidates were either imprisoned or barred from contesting.

“Mimi, Samia Suluhu Hassan, naapa kwamba nitakuwa mwaminifu kwa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania na kuitumikia kwa moyo wangu wote, na kwamba nitaihifadhi, kuilinda, na kuitetea Katiba ya Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania kwa mujibu wa sheria zilizowekwa. Ewe Mwenyezi Mungu, nisaidie. Mimi, Samia Suluhu Hassan, naapa kwamba nitatenda kazi zangu za urais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania kwa uwaminifu na kutimiza wajibu wa kazi hizo kwa bidii na moyo mkunjufu, kwamba nitatendea haki watu wote kwa mujibu wa sheria, na kwa kuheshimu mila na desturi za Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania bila woga, upendeleo, chuki au ubaguzi. Ewe Mwenyezi Mungu, nisaidie,” she said during her swearing-in.

Loosely translated in English: “I, Samia Suluhu Hassan, pledge that I will be faithful to the United Republic of Tanzania and serve it with all my heart, and that I will preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania in accordance with the established laws. So help me God. I, Samia Suluhu Hassan, pledge that I will perform my duties as President of the United Republic of Tanzania faithfully and diligently, carrying out these responsibilities wholeheartedly, and that I will do justice to all people according to the law, respecting the customs and traditions of the United Republic of Tanzania without fear, favouritism, hatred, or discrimination. So help me God.”

Kenya’s Deputy President Kithure Kindiki attended the swearing-in on behalf of President William Ruto. Other regional leaders present included Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye, Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, Mozambique President Daniel Chapo, among others.

In her victory speech, Suluhu described the election as "free and democratic" and referred to the protesters who challenged the results as "unpatriotic."

However, the aftermath of the election has been marred by violence. Opposition leaders and activists have alleged that security forces have killed hundreds during protests. CHADEMA, the main opposition party, which was barred from competing, told AFP it had recorded "no less than 800" deaths by Saturday. A diplomatic source in Tanzania told the BBC that there was credible evidence of at least 500 fatalities.

Meanwhile, the UN human rights office confirmed credible reports of at least 10 deaths across three cities.

While the Tanzanian electoral commission maintains that Samia’s victory is valid, CHADEMA has rejected the results, describing last Wednesday’s vote as a "sham" and calling for fresh elections.

Tensions remain high across the country, with the internet largely blocked since the outbreak of protests, limiting the flow of verifiable information.

Schools and colleges have also remained closed, public transport was suspended, and security forces maintained a near-total lockdown over the weekend.

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