Tanzania is experiencing significant unrest following its recent election, deemed its worst post-election violence in decades. The country has traditionally been viewed as stable, making the current turmoil particularly notable. President Samia Suluhu Hassan was inaugurated on October 29, claiming 98% of the vote, yet the aftermath has drawn criticism from regional and continental organizations.
In her inauguration address, Hassan asserted the election’s fairness but acknowledged fatalities during the protests that erupted afterward. The death toll remains unconfirmed, as families search for missing relatives. Online expressions depict Hassan, initially seen as a calming leadership figure, as increasingly authoritarian. Recent protests led primarily by youth reflect a broader mobilization against perceived government failures.
Political analysts indicate that the unrest grew from years of frustration, exacerbated by political repression and stalled reform. Many believe these tensions reached a breaking point as the government worked to eliminate credible opposition ahead of the election. Two key opposition leaders were barred from contesting the election, further heightening discontent among voters.
Hassan faced internal pressures within her party, leading to significant cabinet changes and a shift towards consolidating power. These actions coincided with an alarming rise in abductions and violence against opponents, casting a shadow over her governance. Critics argue that the recent election was not genuinely competitive, citing systematic flaws and the absence of a fair political landscape.
International bodies, including the African Union, criticized electoral practices, expressing doubts about the legitimacy of Hassan’s presidency. As she embarks on her second term, her administration faces heightened scrutiny, prompting questions about her ability to foster reconciliation and regain public trust amid a turbulent political climate.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2kp9yev5e5o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss