Tanzania’s Samia Hassan sworn in amid protests

Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan was sworn in on Monday amid an ongoing internet blackout and reports of violence following a disputed election.

According to the Electoral Commission, Hassan won 98 percent of the vote. However, the main opposition party, Chadema, which was barred from contesting, rejected the results and called for a fresh election, calling last week’s vote a “sham.”

State television showed officials and foreign dignitaries attending the swearing-in ceremony at the State House parade grounds in Dodoma, rather than the usual stadium setting. The public was not allowed to attend.

Since election day, internet services have been cut, limiting independent verification of reports. A diplomatic source said there were credible reports of hundreds of deaths in hospitals and clinics nationwide. Chadema said it had recorded at least 800 deaths, though these numbers could not be independently confirmed. The government has not commented on the casualties, only denying the use of excessive force.

Schools and colleges remained closed on Monday, public transport was halted, and some church services were canceled. Reports also suggested that police were using the internet blackout to track opposition members and protesters who may have recorded violence.

AFP journalists on Zanzibar, which experienced fewer protests, reported seeing masked armed men without insignia patrolling streets. A Kenyan rights group shared footage allegedly showing dead bodies in Tanzania, though it could not be independently verified.

Pope Leo XIV called for prayers for Tanzania, urging people to avoid violence and seek dialogue.

Hassan became president in 2021 after the sudden death of her predecessor, John Magufuli, and analysts say she sought a decisive election victory to strengthen her position and silence critics. Ahead of the vote, rights groups reported a “wave of terror”, including abductions of opponents.

Despite tight security, protests broke out on election day, with crowds tearing down campaign posters and clashing with police, prompting an internet shutdown and curfew. The Electoral Commission claimed 87 percent voter turnout.

The international response has been mixed. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over deaths and injuries during demonstrations. Meanwhile, Kenyan President William Ruto and DRC leader Felix Tshisekedi congratulated Hassan, calling for peace and respect for the rule of law