TZ: Samia Suluhu Hassan blames ‘foreign hooligans’ for post-election violence

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has strongly condemned the post-election protests that rocked parts of Tanzania, blaming what she described as “hooligans from neighbouring countries” for infiltrating the demonstrations and causing chaos.

Speaking during her swearing-in ceremony at Jamhuri Stadium in Dodoma, the re-elected Head of State described the violence as tragic and unnecessary.

She called on Tanzanians to reject divisions and embrace unity as the country moves beyond the election season.

“I’m sad that people have died and there has been destruction of people’s property. Some of the youth who participated in the Gen Z protests are not Tanzanians,” President Samia said in a firm tone.
“Let me warn like a mother — the end goal of violence is a great loss. Let us pursue peace.”

Her remarks came amid widespread reports of unrest following the October 29 general election, which she won with 97.66 percent of the vote.

Security forces clashed with demonstrators in several cities, including Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, and Morogoro, as young protesters challenged the credibility of the results.

According to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), there are credible reports of at least 10 deaths and several injuries.

Opposition leaders have claimed that the death toll could be much higher--with some figures citing up to 700 fatalities--though these remain unverified by independent sources.

President Samia acknowledged the tension that had surrounded the campaign period but insisted that the country must now move forward together.

“We were 17 candidates. I want to thank my 16 opponents for their maturity. Elections are over. Now we have to forge ahead. Thank you Election Commission for managing this election in a transparent exercise that can’t be doubted,” she said.

She congratulated Dr Hussein Mwinyi for his victory in Zanzibar and commended all institutions involved in managing the polls, particularly the Tanzania Election Commission, which she said had fulfilled its constitutional mandate.

“Fellow Tanzanians, we are conducting a constitutional mandate, not to award the winner. Protests, demonstrations, and violence don’t bring any good to our country. This country is one--and larger than any individual,” she added.

Reflecting on the heated campaigns, she called for reconciliation among citizens of different political views.

“During campaigns we were divided in ideologies. Now that we have a President, let us work towards the welfare of Tanzanians. Life has to continue. Let us guard our unity and peace,” she said.

The President reserved warm praise for faith leaders across the country for their efforts to promote calm amid rising political temperatures.

“I want to sincerely thank religious leaders who have preached peace throughout the campaign, election, and post-election period,” she said.

In a statement laced with gratitude and defiance, she also acknowledged international observer groups from the African Union (AU), East African Community (EAC), and Southern African Development Community (SADC) for their presence and assessments of the polls.

“We thank all observer groups for their reports and suggestions. As Benjamin Mkapa once said, ‘We acknowledge the reports of observers, but we reject any directives on what to do.’”

Her remarks were made before thousands of cheering Tanzanians, in the presence of four visiting Heads of State--Presidents Evariste Ndayishimiye (Burundi), Hakainde Hichilema (Zambia), Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (Somalia), and Mozambique's Daniel Chapo--who jointly called for peace and restraint.

Both the Zambian and Burundian leaders echoed a shared message: “violence doesn’t pay.”

In an emotional close to her address, President Samia sought to set a new tone of national healing.

“Now the journey of serving Tanzanians has started. God bless Africa, God bless Tanzania. Amen!”

President Samia’s tone marked a blend of motherly counsel and political firmness — a message aimed at restoring order while asserting her government’s legitimacy.

By blaming the unrest partly on non-Tanzanian elements, the President appeared to frame the protests as external agitation rather than domestic discontent, a tactic often used to deflect from internal grievances.

Analysts say her warning to the youth--and her emotional appeal to faith, unity, and nationhood--may help calm tensions in the short term, but the underlying frustrations among Tanzania’s younger population remain a challenge her administration must address.

The violent aftermath of the election, coupled with contested casualty figures, continues to draw international attention.

The government now faces mounting pressure to investigate the reported abuses, restore confidence in institutions, and open dialogue with its critics.

For now, the message from Dodoma is clear: peace must prevail.

But the price of that peace, many Tanzanians say, must include accountability and reform.

AVDelta News will continue to follow developments from Dodoma and across Tanzania as the new administration begins its term.