Samia Suluhu sends warning to protesting Tanzanians in first address as president-elect

Tanzania’s newly declared President-elect Samia Suluhu Hassan has issued a stern warning to protesters in her first address following her electoral victory, condemning recent demonstrations as unpatriotic and destructive to the country.

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The statement comes just minutes after the Tanzania Electoral Commission declared on Saturday, November 1, 2025, that Hassan had won the presidency with nearly 98 per cent of the votes, securing a five-year term to lead the East African nation of 68 million people.

The announcement followed days of violent protests across major cities, including Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza, Mbea, and Songwe.

In her address, Hassan condemned the demonstrations, saying they were not supported by citizens and were inconsistent with patriotic values.

“The protests that took place, especially in cities like Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza, Mbea, and Songwe, were in no way supported or guided by patriotism,” she said.

She emphasised that true patriots build the nation rather than destroy it, cautioning that the acts of tearing down banners, setting fire to government buildings, and engaging in violent behaviour undermined the foundations of democracy painstakingly built through the effort and sacrifice of Tanzanians.

“A true patriot builds a country and does not destroy a nation built through the hard work and sweat of its citizens. The government condemns those actions in the strongest terms.”

Hassan reiterated that national security and the unity of the United Republic of Tanzania are non-negotiable.

She stressed that the government will employ all legal and protective measures to maintain peace and stability, underscoring that safeguarding the nation is paramount.

“What I want to make clear is that when it comes to the safety of the country and the unity of the United Republic of Tanzania, there is no alternative but to use all lawful and protective measures to keep the nation safe,” Suluhu said.

She expressed disappointment that the protests failed to contribute to the democratic process and urged citizens to reject violence while standing together to protect the country.

“It is my belief, and that of all of us who participated in the elections, as well as the majority of Tanzanians, that we are deeply saddened by these acts. They do not build strong foundations for democracy in our country. I urge all citizens to reject such actions and, together, to stand and protect our nation,” she added.

The warning comes in the aftermath of Wednesday’s presidential and parliamentary vote, which triggered violent demonstrations.

Protesters expressed anger over the exclusion of Hassan’s two main challengers from the race and alleged widespread repression during the electoral process.

Reports indicated that hundreds of people may have been killed during the unrest, according to Tanzania’s main opposition party, though the United Nations Human Rights Office confirmed credible reports of at least 10 fatalities across three cities.

Hassan, who initially assumed office in 2021 following the death of her predecessor, made it clear that her administration prioritises national stability, security, and the protection of Tanzanians’ lives.