Tanzania President Samia Suluhu blames foreigners for violent election protests, calls for urgent investigations into unrest
Samia said the unrest was not homegrown and the acts were inconsistent with Tanzanian values.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has accused individuals from outside the country of instigating recent violent protests across the nation, calling for urgent investigations into the disturbances.
Speaking on Monday during her swearing-in ceremony at the military parade grounds in Dodoma, Samia said the unrest was not homegrown and the acts were inconsistent with Tanzanian values.
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“Wote tunaoitakia mema nchi hii, tumesikitishwa na tumehuzunishwa na matukio ya uvunjifu wa amani, upotevu wa maisha na uharibifu wa mali za umma na mali za watu binafsi kwenye baadhi ya maeneo hapa nchini. Kilichotokea hakiendani na taswira na sifa za Kitanzania, na sio utanzania. Haikutushangaza kuona kuwa baadhi ya vijana waliokamatwa wametoka nje ya Tanzania. Vyombo vyetu vya ulinzi na usalama vinaendelea kufuatilia na kuchunguza kwa undani zaidi kilichotokea na kuirudisha nchi katika hali tulioizoea kwa amani. Kamati ya kitaifa na kamati ya ulinzi wa mikoa ya wilaya kuanzia leo nawataka muhakikishe maisha ya wananchi yanarejea mara moja. Niwaombe sana tuzingatie umoja, amani na utulivu wa nchi yetu,” she said.
This loosely translates to, “All of us who wish well for this country are saddened and grieved by the incidents of unrest, loss of lives, and destruction of public and private property in some areas of the country. What happened is not in line with the image and character of Tanzanians, and it is not Tanzanian. It did not surprise us to see that some of the youths who were arrested came from outside Tanzania. Our security and law enforcement agencies are continuing to closely monitor and investigate what happened to restore the country to the peaceful state we are accustomed to."
Samia directed national and regional security committees to take immediate action to restore normalcy in affected areas. She emphasised the need for swift measures to protect citizens and called on all Tanzanians to prioritise national unity, peace and stability.
The Head of State issued a stern warning to individuals who incited recent unrest, urging them to abandon violence and embrace dialogue.
“Natoa onyo kama mama kwa wale wote waliochochea uvunjifu wa amani na nawataka watambue kuwa vurugu na uvunjifu wa amani huishia kupimana nguvu na uwezo wa kujihami, ila mazungumzo huzaa mshikamano. Sasa tuchague lenye manufaa kwetu kwani usalama wa taifa wote hulindwa na wote kwa ngumu zote na gharama zozote," she said.
This loosely translates to: “I issue a warning, as a mother, to all those who incited the unrest and call on them to understand that violence and disruption ultimately lead to tests of strength and defensive responses, while dialogue builds cohesion. Now we must choose what benefits us, because the security of the nation is protected by everyone, through all means and at any cost.”
The ceremony included a 21-gun salute, a military tradition reserved for the head of state or distinguished dignitaries, symbolising national respect and the President’s supreme command over the armed forces. President Samia, 65, took her oath of office before Chief Justice Ibrahim Hamis Juma, pledging to “protect and defend the Constitution and the unity of the United Republic of Tanzania.”
Her swearing-in came amid heightened tensions following violent protests across major cities, including Dar es Salaam and Arusha, after the October 29 election results declared her the winner with 97 per cent of the vote, according to the National Electoral Commission. Opposition parties have rejected the results, alleging massive irregularities and intimidation.
Internet services remained blocked nationwide as the President took her oath, with security forces deployed in key towns. The opposition party CHADEMA, led by detained leader Tundu Lissu, dismissed the election as a “sham” and called for fresh polls under international supervision.
The party claimed that around 700 people have died in three days of protests, with clashes continuing in major urban centres.
The tense elections, marred by arrests of main challengers, internet shutdowns and curfews, have left foreign journalists largely unable to report on developments from the ground.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki attended the swearing-in ceremony on behalf of Kenyan 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.
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