Overview
- President Samia Suluhu Hassan said Tanzania’s image was damaged by post-election unrest and could hinder access to international loans, urging ministers to raise funds domestically.
- She was declared the winner with over 97% after main opposition candidates were barred, and African Union observers said the vote was not credible and documented ballot-box stuffing.
- Rights groups, opposition parties and the United Nations report hundreds likely killed during protests, which the government disputes, while hundreds were arrested on treason charges and some releases were requested by the president.
- The finance ministry has planned external borrowing of 8.7 trillion shillings for 2025/26, highlighting friction with the push to rely more on local financing.
- Calm largely returned after her swearing-in, and a Commonwealth delegation led by Malawi’s Lazarus Chakwera plans meetings with officials, political parties and civil society.