Politics Tanzania's president warns troublemakers after election protests
Despite the ongoing state of emergency in Tanzania, the incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been sworn in for a second term in office. She called on the security authorities in the East African country to "restore normality". According to official results, Hassan was re-elected with 97.66 percent of the vote.
03.11.2025, 17:48
SDA
The curfew imposed in the country after riots on election day remained in place for the fifth day in a row. Schools and stores remained closed. The internet, which had been repeatedly shut down since election day, remained heavily disrupted for social media and messenger services, according to the organization Netblocks.
Violent protests against the exclusion of the main opposition candidates broke out on election day. Security forces are also said to have used live firearms against the demonstrators. The number of deaths is unclear. According to the UN Human Rights Office, credible reports indicate that at least ten demonstrators were killed. The opposition speaks of hundreds of deaths.
President threatens to take strong action against further unrest
Hassan expressed her grief at the loss of life and the destruction of property. She blamed foreign nationals, among others, for the violence. At the same time, she warned that the security forces would take decisive action against rioters. "We must ensure that this never happens again," she said.
Politically, Tanzania is considered one of the more stable countries in the East African region. After taking office in 2021, Hassan vowed to open up the country, but did not fulfill her promise. Her CCM party has ruled the country of around 70 million people since its independence more than 60 years ago. According to human rights activists, politically motivated arrests continue to take place.
