Samia Suluhu reveals foreign nationals infiltrated Tanzania’s protests
By Paulette Mboga, November 3, 2025Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has said that some of the people arrested during the recent unrest in the country are foreigners.
Speaking during her swearing-in ceremony for a second term in office on Monday, November 3, 2025, in Dodoma, she addressed the violence that followed the disputed General Election.
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Samia Suluhu said, “Wote tunaoitakia mema nchi hii, tumehuzunishwa na matukio ya uvunjifu wa amani, upotevu wa maisha na uharibifu wa mali kwenye baadhi ya maeneo. Kilichotokea hakiendani na taswira na sifa za Kitanzania, na sio Utanzania. Haikutushangaza kuona kuwa baadhi ya vijana waliokamatwa wametoka nje ya Tanzania.”
The ceremony was held at a military parade ground under tight security and attended only by invited leaders. There was no public attendance, but the event was broadcast live by the state-run Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC). The swearing-in came after days of tension and violent protests across parts of the country, with the opposition rejecting the election results as a sham.
Also watch: Amnesty International sounds alarm over escalating repression in Tanzania
Travel warning
The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) had earlier issued a travel advisory warning its citizens against all but essential travel to Tanzania. The notice cites widespread disruption and unrest following the October 29 election.
According to the FCDO, Tanzania is facing severe shortages of food, fuel, and cash, which have disrupted livelihoods and left thousands of people struggling. “FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Tanzania. This is due to disruption and unrest following the October 29, 2025 election. There are shortages of food, fuel, and cash, compounded by the lack of internet services,” the UK government said in its statement on Sunday, November 2, 2025.
The unrest has been linked to frustrations over the election process, economic hardship, and limited access to essential services. Reports from local media indicate that security forces have continued to patrol key areas to maintain order.
Samia’s message might have called for peace and unity, but the mention of foreigners among those arrested may raise questions and debate about the real cause of the unrest. Many Tanzanians are still struggling with shortages and uncertainty after the elections.