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Samia Suluhu Wins Re-election in Tanzania Amid Violence, Opposition Outcry
Samia Suluhu Wins Re-election in Tanzania Amid Violence, Opposition Outcry
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has secured another term in office with an overwhelming 98 per cent of the vote, following an election marred by deadly violence, mass protests, and opposition allegations of widespread fraud.
The country’s electoral commission announced the results on Saturday, declaring the incumbent victorious after Wednesday’s poll, which was conducted under tense conditions marked by an internet blackout and the exclusion of key opposition figures.
According to official figures, Samia, who leads the long-ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, polled 97.66 per cent of the total votes cast, with a voter turnout put at nearly 87 per cent.
The opposition, however, has rejected the results, describing the process as “a mockery of democracy.”
The declaration sparked widespread unrest across major cities, particularly in Dar es Salaam and Arusha, where protesters clashed with police and soldiers.
Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos as demonstrators tore down campaign posters and burned tyres, chanting slogans demanding justice and a rerun of the election.
Opposition sources and human rights groups have painted a grim picture of the situation.
The Chadema Party claimed that about 700 people have been killed in the crackdown, while a diplomatic source quoted by the BBC suggested at least 500 confirmed fatalities.
However, the government has downplayed the scale of the violence. Foreign Minister Mahmoud Kombo Thabit described the incidents as “isolated disturbances,” insisting that security forces acted “swiftly and decisively” to maintain peace. Authorities have since extended a national curfew, citing the need to “restore order and protect lives.”
Critics argue that the election outcome was all but predetermined. The two main opposition figures, Tundu Lissu, who is facing treason charges, and Luhaga Mpina of the ACT-Wazalendo Party, who was disqualified on technical grounds were prevented from contesting.
Their exclusion effectively handed the CCM an open field, with only minor candidates permitted to run.
“The results are a complete fabrication,” a Chadema spokesperson said. “This election was neither free nor fair. It was conducted under intimidation, fear, and bloodshed.”
The developments in Tanzania have drawn widespread international condemnation.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over the situation, urging all parties to prevent further escalation and to respect human rights.
In a joint statement, the governments of the United Kingdom, Canada, and Norway cited “credible reports of a large number of fatalities and significant injuries,” calling for an independent investigation into the violence.
Rights group Amnesty International also condemned the election process, accusing the government of orchestrating a “wave of terror” that included arbitrary arrests, torture, and enforced disappearances of opposition supporters claims the authorities have strongly denied.
Samia Praises Security Forces, Labels Protesters ‘Unpatriotic’
In her victory speech, President Samia commended security agencies for “protecting national peace and stability” during the polls.
She described protesters as “unpatriotic elements bent on destabilising the nation.”
“Tanzania has once again proven its commitment to peace and democracy,” she said. “The will of the people has spoken, and no one will be allowed to undermine it.”
Her remarks have drawn criticism from civil society groups, who argue that the government’s heavy-handed response has eroded public trust and pushed the country toward deeper political uncertainty.
President Samia, who first assumed office in 2021 following the death of John Magufuli, was initially praised for promising to open up civic space and reverse some of her predecessor’s authoritarian policies.
However, in recent years, her administration has faced mounting criticism over its handling of dissent, with growing reports of intimidation, media restrictions, and arrests of opposition leaders.
Analysts say the latest election outcome cements the CCM’s unbroken dominance since independence but raises questions about the country’s democratic trajectory.
“Tanzania is at a crossroads,” said one political analyst in Dar es Salaam. “What we are witnessing is the consolidation of power under a system that leaves little room for genuine opposition or accountability.”
With her re-election now confirmed, President Samia faces the dual challenge of restoring confidence at home and repairing Tanzania’s image abroad.
As curfews remain in place and communication networks slowly return, the scale of the violence and the true death toll may only become clearer in the coming days.
CARICOM pushes unified response to global shifts, backs Guyana’s COP35 bid
The Caribbean Community, CARICOM has called for urgent and coordinated action to confront mounting global uncertainties, as it concluded its 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in Basseterre, Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis.
The four-day summit, held from February 24 to 27 under the chairmanship of St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister, Dr Terrance Drew, brought together regional leaders to deliberate on security, economic integration, external trade, reparations and the situation in Haiti.
In her opening remarks, CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr Carla Barnett, urged member states to take advantage of opportunities presented by the shifting global order.
She said as new markets emerge and strategic alliances are recalibrated, the Region must engage with clarity and cohesion in areas such as energy transition, digital infrastructure, climate resilience and technology to attract investments aligned with its development priorities.
Outgoing Chairman and Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, said the speed of global change was outpacing regional coordination, warning that climate shocks, criminal networks and technological disruption were evolving faster than existing policy and regulatory frameworks.
“The question before us is not whether CARICOM can endure, but whether it can deliver for our people with urgency and relevance in a rapidly changing world,” he said.
President of Suriname, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, and Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, also stressed the need for regional unity, describing it as a necessity in the face of economic volatility, climate insecurity and geopolitical shifts.
During the meeting, Heads of Government held discussions with the United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, and agreed on the need to establish a 21st-century cooperation framework covering migration, security cooperation, trade and investment, disaster recovery and technical assistance.
Leaders noted that the US remains a valued partner and welcomed Washington’s commitment to reinvigorate traditional ties within the Western Hemisphere.
The Conference also engaged Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates on expanded economic collaboration, including structured mechanisms to unlock opportunities in the digital economy, climate resilience, water security and infrastructure development.
In a major financial boost, Afreximbank announced an increase in its global limit for CARICOM initiatives from $3bn to $5bn, as the Region seeks to strengthen economic ties with Africa and expand trade and investment flows.
On Haiti, the Conference reaffirmed its commitment to supporting stability and free and fair elections, and expressed appreciation to Kenya for leading the Multinational Security Support mission, now transitioned to a Gang Suppression Force authorised by the United Nations Security Council.
The Bahamas and Jamaica were also commended for contributing personnel and operational support.
Heads of Government reiterated their steadfast backing for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Belize and Guyana in border matters before the International Court of Justice, calling on all parties to respect and implement the court’s decisions when delivered.
On regional security, leaders welcomed progress on model legislation for criminal justice reform and the offer by the United Nations Development Programme to support the expansion of a Police Record Management Information System across member states.
On economic integration, the Conference approved the inclusion of additional professions under the free movement of skilled nationals within the CARICOM Single Market and Economy and adopted amendments to the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas to streamline Rules of Origin adjustments.
Heads of Government also approved a CARICOM Industrial Policy and Strategy Framework aimed at fostering competitive and sustainable industries across the Region.
In a significant climate development, the Conference agreed to support Guyana’s bid to host COP35 in 2030.
The leaders expressed appreciation to the Government and people of St Kitts and Nevis for hosting the landmark 50th meeting and accepted Saint Lucia’s invitation to host the 51st Regular Meeting from July 5 to 8, 2026.
Over 200 Killed in DR Congo Coltan Mine Landslide
More than 200 people, including 70 children, have died following a landslide at a coltan mining site in Rubaya, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the government said on Wednesday.
The tragedy struck on Tuesday after heavy rains in the rebel-controlled area, with authorities blaming the M23 rebels for allowing unsafe, illegal mining.
Rescue operations were hampered by dangerous conditions, officials added.
Rubaya, the country’s largest source of coltan, holds about 15% of the world’s supply of the mineral used in electronics. Many injured miners have been evacuated to hospitals in Goma.
The toll could not be independently verified due to restricted access, disrupted communications, and ongoing insecurity in the region.
Ethiopia Launches First ‘Smart’ Police Station in Addis Ababa
Ethiopia has opened its first “smart” or unmanned police station in Bole, a pilot project aimed at modernising law enforcement and expanding access to citizens.
Inside the new station, visitors report crimes, traffic incidents, or general concerns via computer tablets.
A remote officer responds in real time, reducing the need for face-to-face interaction.
Commander Demissie Yilma, head of the police technology expansion department, said the system is still in its early stages, with just three reports logged in its first week. “The future police service should be near the citizens,” he noted.
The station forms part of the government’s broader Digital Ethiopia 2030 strategy, which seeks to digitise public services including identity systems, payments, and court processes.
Experts say while digital reforms could boost efficiency and convenience, challenges remain.
Internet access is still low, and older, rural, and low-income populations risk being excluded.
For now, the Bole station is a controlled pilot, with traditional police stations continuing to serve most of the population. Expansion will depend on citizen adoption and digital literacy levels.
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