Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has commenced her second term, taking the oath of office at a military base in Dodoma. This unprecedented move marks a significant departure from Tanzania's long-standing tradition of public inaugurations, a change necessitated by profound political tensions following a contentious election. The event, held at the Tanzania People's Defence Force parade grounds, was characterized by heightened security and was closed to the public. Only senior government and security officials were permitted to attend, while independent journalists and foreign guests were barred. The state-run Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC) provided live coverage.

President Samia, 64, was declared the victor with an overwhelming 98 percent of the vote. Her inauguration took place amidst a nationwide internet blackout, ongoing curfews, and disturbing reports of protests and killings across several cities. Prior to the vote, her main political challengers had been either jailed, disqualified, or placed under surveillance, effectively eliminating meaningful competition. This muted ceremony stood in stark contrast to previous Tanzanian inaugurations, which historically drew tens of thousands of citizens, diplomats, and regional leaders, symbolizing a vibrant public engagement in the democratic process.

The opposition Chadema Party has vehemently rejected the election results, branding them a "mockery of democracy." John Kitoka, a spokesperson for the party, asserted that the vote "cannot be regarded as free or fair" and has demanded a rerun under stringent international supervision. The allegations extend beyond electoral irregularities to include severe post-election violence. Chadema claims that over 700 people have been killed, while a diplomatic source in Dar es Salaam informed the BBC of "credible evidence" indicating at least 500 deaths. The UN Human Rights Office has independently verified at least 10 fatalities across three cities, cautioning that the actual toll could be substantially higher.

In response to these grave accusations, the Tanzanian government, through Foreign Minister Mahmoud Kombo Thabit, has denied the allegations, characterizing the unrest as "a few isolated incidents." Minister Thabit defended the internet shutdown and curfews, stating they were necessary measures to "save lives" and prevent the dissemination of "false information." However, witnesses in major cities like Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Mwanza have reported ongoing night raids by security forces in opposition strongholds. Residents claim soldiers patrol neighborhoods after dark, while curfew restrictions keep potential witnesses indoors. Furthermore, reports indicate that hospitals are overwhelmed, and many families are unable to trace missing relatives.

Diplomatic missions stationed in Tanzania have voiced grave alarm over the reported scale of violence and have collectively urged authorities to restore internet access and permit independent investigations into the incidents. Despite the mounting international criticism and the internal unrest, President Samia's administration maintains that the situation is under control, paradoxically describing Tanzania as "a beacon of stability in the region." Yet, with persistent curfews, roadblocks, and media censorship, many Tanzanians express a profound concern that the country has entered one of its darkest periods since achieving independence.