List of African presidents and leaders who attended Samia Suluhu’s swearing-in

Dodoma, the capital of Tanzania, turned into the epicentre of African diplomacy on Monday, November 3, 2025, as several heads of state and senior government officials gathered to witness President Samia Suluhu Hassan take her oath of office for a second term.

The event, held at a military parade ground under tight security, was not open to each and every member of the public but was broadcast live by the state-run TBC.

The atmosphere was calm yet solemn, following an election marked by violent protests, internet shutdowns, and opposition claims of electoral malpractice.

Chief Justice George Masaju administered the oath as Samia, the country’s first woman elected president, pledged to serve all Tanzanians with unity and fairness.

Despite opposition boycotts and the barring of several candidates, she was declared the winner with 98 per cent of the vote.

Amid the tensions, the ceremony drew a cross-section of African leaders, signalling Tanzania’s continued place in regional politics.

Also watch: Amnesty International sounds alarm over escalating repression in Tanzania.

Hakainde Hichilema – President of Zambia

Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema, one of the most respected reformist leaders in Southern Africa, was among the first to arrive.

Hichilema assumed the presidency of Zambia in August 2021 after a long tenure in opposition politics and business. He is known for his liberal economic agenda and for steering Zambia through reform efforts following the debt and governance challenges of prior administrations.

During his remarks in Dodoma, Hichilema emphasised the importance of open dialogue and national cohesion.

 

“When we are challenged, when we have complaints or problems, let us come to one table only, the dialogue table. That is the one we should invoke to deal with our challenges of any kind,” he said.

His words drew wide applause from the audience, as they echoed the need for reconciliation after Tanzania’s disputed polls.

Évariste Ndayishimiye – President of Burundi

Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye, who has been in office since June 2020, also attended the ceremony.

A former army general, Ndayishimiye took over leadership after the death of Pierre Nkurunziza and has since worked to rebuild his country’s international image after years of political isolation.

Constantino Chiwenga – Vice President of Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s Vice President, Constantino Chiwenga, represented Harare at the event.

Chiwenga, a retired general and a key figure in the 2017 transition that brought down the late Robert Mugabe, has been instrumental in stabilising Zimbabwe’s internal politics. Before assuming the vice presidency, he served as Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.

Daniel Chapo – President of Mozambique

Mozambican President Daniel Francisco Chapo, elected in 2025, was also among the leaders present.

Before becoming head of state, Chapo served as the governor of Inhambane Province and worked extensively in local administration and media.

His visit marked one of his first official regional appearances since taking office, highlighting the growing partnership between Dar es Salaam and Maputo in security and energy development.

Jesca Rose Alupo – Deputy President of Uganda

Uganda’s Deputy President, Jesca Rose Alupo, represented President Yoweri Museveni at the ceremony.

A career educator and former Minister of Education, Alupo has served as Deputy President since 2021.

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud – President of Somalia

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was also in attendance.

Having first served as president from 2012 to 2017 before being re-elected in 2022, Mohamud has focused on rebuilding Somalia’s state institutions and restoring security.

Kithure Kindiki – Deputy President of Kenya

Kenya’s Deputy President, Kithure Kindiki, attended on behalf of President William Ruto.

Floribert Anzuluni – Minister for Regional Integration, Democratic Republic of Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo was represented by Floribert Anzuluni, the Minister for Regional Integration and Cooperation.

A lawyer and governance reform advocate, Anzuluni has been key in the DRC’s engagement with the East African Community since Kinshasa officially joined the bloc.

Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete – Former President of Tanzania

Former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete also attended the ceremony, joining as one of the country’s most respected statesmen. Kikwete, who served from 2005 to 2015, is credited with strengthening Tanzania’s education and health systems and maintaining steady economic growth during his tenure.