A chilling inauguration amidst a nation's turmoil: Tanzania's new president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, took office on November 3, 2025, but the celebrations were overshadowed by a dark cloud of controversy and violence. The opposition claims a horrifying toll: hundreds, possibly thousands, killed by security forces during election protests, while the government remains silent.
But here's where it gets controversial: Hassan's inauguration came after a landslide victory, with the Electoral Commission announcing a staggering 98% of the vote in her favor. This result, however, was rejected by the main opposition party, Chadema, which was barred from participating and has demanded fresh elections, labeling the previous vote a 'sham'.
The ceremony itself was devoid of public attendance, taking place at State House in Dodoma instead of the usual stadium. The nation was under an internet blackout, making it difficult to access reliable information. The only glimpses of the outside world came from diplomatic sources, who reported a chilling detail: hospitals and clinics registering an alarming number of deaths, potentially in the thousands.
Chadema's claims of at least 800 deaths by Saturday remain unverified, but the government's silence on the matter is deafening. They have only denied accusations of excessive force, while schools, colleges, and even some churches remained closed, and public transport was halted.
The situation is further complicated by allegations that police are exploiting the internet blackout to track down opposition members and protesters with potential evidence of atrocities. Dar es Salaam and other cities witnessed a near-lockdown, with police scrutinizing citizens and controlling shop opening times.
Masked, unidentified armed men were spotted in Zanzibar, a region known for its political freedom, and a rights group in Kenya shared disturbing footage allegedly from Tanzania, showing piles of dead bodies on the streets. These images, like the death toll, remain unverified.
Pope Leo XIV's plea for prayers and an end to violence underscores the gravity of the situation. The international community, though largely silent, has seen leaders like Kenyan President William Ruto and DRC's Felix Tshisekedi extend congratulations, the latter even referring to a 'brilliant re-election'.
And this is the part most people miss: Hassan's rise to power was sudden, following the death of former President John Magufuli in 2021. Analysts suggest she sought a decisive victory to solidify her position and quieten critics within her own party. But the price of this victory, according to rights groups, was a wave of terror, including abductions that intensified in the election's final days.
The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, expressed deep concern, citing reports of deaths and injuries during the demonstrations. Yet, the question remains: how can a nation heal and move forward when the truth behind such tragic events is obscured by silence and controversy?
