President Samia Suluhu Hassan has officially begun her second term as Tanzania’s Head of State after taking the oath of office at a ceremony held at the State House in Dodoma on Monday.
The event, steeped in military tradition and national symbolism, saw Suluhu receive a 21-gun salute the highest honour accorded to a Commander-in-Chief marking the formal start of her new term.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, members of the diplomatic community, and select guests. However, public attendance was restricted due to heightened tensions following days of post-election protests across the country. Kenya was represented at the event by Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki.
During the swearing-in, Suluhu, 65, took her oath before Chief Justice Ibrahim Hamis Juma, vowing to safeguard the Constitution and preserve the unity of the United Republic of Tanzania.
Her re-election has stirred controversy, with the National Electoral Commission declaring her the winner with 97 percent of the vote in the October 29 polls. Opposition groups have since disputed the results, citing widespread irregularities and intimidation, sparking demonstrations in major cities such as Dar es Salaam and Arusha.
Despite the unrest, Monday’s ceremony carried an air of solemn authority, underscoring the continuity of state power and Suluhu’s reaffirmed leadership as Tanzania’s first female president.
