Tanzania in Turmoil: President Samia Suluhu Hassan's Leadership Under Fire

Sun Nov 09 2025 15:38:35 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Following a violent post-election period, President Samia Suluhu Hassan faces criticism for undermining Tanzania's historically stable political climate. As protests erupt, questions arise about her administration's commitment to democracy.

Tanzania is witnessing unprecedented unrest and violence following a disputed election where President Samia Suluhu Hassan claimed victory with 98% of the vote. The aftermath has shaken the country's reputation for stability and provoked rare criticism from regional organizations. Analysts attribute the turmoil to years of suppressed political dissent and a systematic elimination of opposition leaders ahead of the elections. As the nation grapples with its internal crisis, President Samia's initial promise of reform is now overshadowed by her government's authoritarian approach and accusations of electoral misconduct.

Tanzania remains gripped by the aftermath of its worst post-election violence in decades, a crisis that has shaken its long-standing reputation as a beacon of peace and stability in Africa.

It has also earned the country rare rebukes from regional and continental organisations.

The death toll is not clear but families continue to search for or bury relatives killed following the recent disputed poll, that President Samia Suluhu Hassan won with 98% of the vote.

Samia, the soft-spoken leader whose calm and gentle demeanour initially inspired optimism when she assumed power in 2021, is now facing immense scrutiny.

Samia has pushed Tanzania to its thick winter of protests, instability, and uncertainty, said Prof Peter Kagwanja, a Kenyan policy analyst.

The protests, driven by young activists, resonate with global movements against indifferent governance. Analysts note that while unrest is unprecedented for Tanzania, it follows years of tension marked by stalled reforms and persecution of opposition leaders.

Gado, a Tanzanian political cartoonist, expressed that the protests reveal years of bottled-up anguish and grievances.

Critics argue that the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, historically dominant, has ignored the people's aspirations and failed to promote true democratic engagement.

The recent election exposed a troubling trend as the government systematically eliminated credible political competition, silencing dissenting voices and resorting to violent crackdowns.

Notably, the main opposition leaders were barred from contesting the elections. Tundu Lissu is detained on treason charges he denies, while Luhaga Mpina's candidacy was dismissed on technical grounds.

The focus is sharply on President Samia, who faces accusations of leading a repressive administration that ruthlessly suppresses historical protests.

As she embarks on her second term, analysts underscore the pressing necessity for her to win back public trust and legitimacy, especially on the international stage.

Samia's earlier promises of a more open and democratic Tanzania now hang in the balance, as internal pressures within her party and rising opposition create a complex political landscape. These dynamics continue to challenge her leadership, shaking the very foundation upon which Tanzania's reputation was built.