Samia Suluhu Hassan Sworn In for Second Term as Tanzania’s President
Her political life began several decades ago in the then-ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi, CCM, rapidly rising through the party hierarchy
The event came when internet restrictions continued across the nation amid heightened tension following protests which erupted over the October 29 elections. Photo/courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has officially commenced her second term in office after being sworn in during a ceremony held at the State House in Dodoma on Monday. The 65-year-old leader, who succeeded to power following the death of President John Magufuli in 2021, will now serve her first elected term as head of state, while Emmanuel Nchimbi serves as the deputy.
The swearing-in ceremony was held with tight security and in the presence of invited guests only since the general public was not allowed to witness the same. The event came when internet restrictions continued across the nation amid heightened tension following protests which erupted over the October 29 elections.
According to the results announced by the Tanzania Electoral Commission, President Suluhu won with 98 percent of the vote. However, the election was met with fierce opposition from Chadema, Tanzania’s biggest opposition party, which was banned from the polls. It rejected the outcome as “a sham” and called for fresh elections.
The opposition claims that hundreds were killed in protests following those elections, but the government dismissed the reports as “grossly exaggerated.” The authorities insisted the election was conducted legally, while accusing opposition forces of spreading false information with intent to cause unrest.
After the protests, the government imposed a curfew in Dar es Salaam, while Regional Commissioner Alfred Chalamila warned that law enforcement officers would deal firmly with any person trying to disturb public order.
The rise of President Suluhu to power saw an unprecedented record of firsts, including being the first woman to become president of Tanzania in 2021 and the first head of state from Zanzibar. Her political life began several decades ago in the then-ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi, CCM, rapidly rising through the party hierarchy.
The political journey of Suluhu started when she was elected to the Zanzibar House of Representatives, where she also served as a minister. In 2005, she was re-elected and handed another ministerial portfolio. Her national profile rose in 2010 when she entered the Tanzanian Parliament, representing the constituency of Makunduchi, and was appointed Minister of State for Union Affairs by then-President Jakaya Kikwete.
In 2014, she was appointed Vice Chairperson of the Constitutional Assembly, which was tasked with drafting a new constitution for the country. A year later, she made history again when the late President John Magufuli chose her as his running mate in the 2015 elections—a partnership that made her Tanzania’s first female Vice President.
With her second oath, president Samia Suluhu Hasan embarks on a new journey in Tanzanian politics, promising to steer the nation toward stability, inclusivity, and economic growth amidst political tension and international scrutiny over the conduct of its recent elections.
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