JAKARTA – In her first public remarks regarding the controversial October election aftermath, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has acknowledged the impact of a six-day Internet shutdown that occurred during the nation’s most severe post-election violence in recent history.

Presidential Apology to International Community

Speaking to diplomatic representatives and international organization officials in Tanzania’s capital Dodoma on Thursday, President Hassan offered her sympathies to foreign diplomats and expatriates residing in the country. She pledged that her administration would work to prevent any recurrence of such disruptions.

“To our partners in the diplomatic community and foreigners residing here in Tanzania, I express my sincere sympathy for the uncertainty, service restrictions and Internet shutdowns you experienced,” the president stated.

Contested Electoral Process

The October election saw Hassan secure victory with over 97 percent of the vote under circumstances that drew international criticism. The electoral process was marred by the exclusion of candidates from the two principal opposition parties, while the country’s leading opposition figure remained imprisoned on treason allegations.

Foreign election observers concluded that the voting failed to satisfy democratic criteria due to the prohibition of key opposition candidates from participating.

Post-Election Violence and Government Response

Unrest erupted on election day and persisted for several days while Internet services remained blocked. Human rights organizations reported that hundreds of people lost their lives during an intensive police crackdown that accompanied the communications blackout.

President Hassan attributed the violence to foreign influences and subsequently granted pardons to hundreds of young people who had been detained, characterizing their actions as resulting from peer pressure.

In her address to diplomatic envoys, Hassan sought to provide assurances regarding their security, emphasizing her government’s commitment to preventing future disruptions.

Justification and Future Commitments

The president defended her administration’s actions, arguing that the measures were necessary to maintain constitutional order and safeguard citizens.

“I assure you that we will remain vigilant to ensure your safety and prevent any recurrence of such experiences,” Hassan told the assembled diplomats.

Investigation Underway

Following the October elections, Tanzania established an inquiry commission to examine the violence that resulted in hundreds of deaths and the destruction of property valued at millions of shillings. This represents a significant departure from the relative stability the country has experienced for decades.

The six-day communications shutdown and subsequent violence mark a troubling chapter for Tanzania, a nation that has historically maintained peaceful transitions and political stability in a region often characterized by electoral disputes.

International Concerns

The international community’s concerns extend beyond the Internet shutdown to the broader electoral process and its aftermath. The exclusion of opposition candidates, the imprisonment of opposition leaders, and the violent suppression of dissent have raised questions about Tanzania’s democratic trajectory.

The establishment of the inquiry commission signals an acknowledgment that the events surrounding the October election require examination, though questions remain about the commission’s independence and whether it will lead to meaningful accountability.

President Hassan’s remarks to the diplomatic community represent an attempt to address international criticism while maintaining her position that the government’s actions were necessary. However, the effectiveness of these assurances in restoring international confidence remains uncertain.

Regional and Historical Context

Tanzania’s recent electoral experience stands in stark contrast to its historical reputation as one of East Africa’s more stable democracies. The country had been viewed as a regional anchor of peace and constitutional governance, making the October violence particularly significant for observers of African politics.

The government’s decision to shut down Internet access during the critical post-election period reflects a broader trend across the continent, where authorities increasingly use communications blackouts to control information flow during politically sensitive moments.

As Tanzania moves forward, the international community will be watching closely to see whether the inquiry commission produces meaningful results and whether the government takes steps to prevent similar crises in future electoral cycles.

Original Article:

Arab News. (2026, January 16). Tanzania president remorseful over Internet shutdown on election day.  Retrieved from https://www.arabnews.com/node/2629482/world