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• President Samia Suluhu gave an emotional address at her swearing-in ceremony in Dodoma.
• She clarified the reasons behind the government’s protection of Tanzanians from the violence that occurred in the country, even though there was significant damage.
• Suluhu also sent a relief statement to Tanzanians and recognized reports from election monitors.

Nancy Odindo, a journalist from .co.ke, brings more than four years of expertise in reporting on Kenyan politics, news, and features across online and traditional media platforms.

The Tanzanian president, Samia Suluhu, has delivered a strong message to those charged with promoting violence throughout the nation’s election season.

The event on Wednesday, October 29, was tainted by violent disturbances and broad condemnation.

The surveys showed Suluhu obtaining a second term through a decisive win, securing 97.66% of the votes as per the official figures released by the election authority.

During her inauguration event in Dodoma on Monday, November 3, Suluhu conveyed profound sorrow regarding the loss of lives and damage to property that occurred after the contested elections.

Was violence instigated by Tanzanians during the elections?

In her speech, Suluhu highlighted that the violence observed does not align with Tanzania’s principles.

She disclosed that numerous detained demonstrators were not Tanzanian nationals, implying external involvement in the disturbances.

The disorder and aggression observed is not representative of Tanzania,” she stated. “It was not unexpected to find that some of the young people detained because of this conduct are from beyond Tanzania.

Suluhu also cautioned individuals inciting violence, stating that conflict only results in intensification, whereas communication promotes peace.

“I am warning, as a mother, everyone who encouraged the breaking of peace. I want them to realize that chaos and violation of peace only result in testing strength and defensive abilities, but dialogue promotes unity. Let us decide what is truly important to us, because the security of our nation is safeguarded by all of us—with every bit of our strength and at any price,” she implored.

She called on citizens to maintain the nation’s enduring values of unity and togetherness, emphasizing that peace needs to be safeguarded no matter what.

Let us keep protecting our principle of unity and solidarity,” she stated, continuing, “Those of us who desire the best for this nation are distressed by the incidents that resulted in the loss of lives and damage to both public and private property.

Is Tanzania making efforts to achieve stability?

Although there was chaos after the election, Suluhu stated that Tanzania will quickly restore stability, acknowledging the work of the nation’s security and military forces.

She also paused to commend election monitors who observed the voting process and recognized their findings, which are anticipated to influence upcoming changes in electoral procedures.

The president’s comments occur against a backdrop of increasing demands for national reconciliation and responsibility, as Tanzanians deal with the consequences of one of the most disputed elections in recent years.