Only Four African Presidents Attend Samia Suluhu’s Swearing-In Amid Tight Security and Unrest

Only four African heads of state attended the swearing-in ceremony of Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, held Monday at a military base in the administrative capital, Dodoma.

The low-key event took place under tight security and was closed to the general public, marking a sharp departure from previous inaugurations traditionally held in packed stadiums open to citizens. Internet connectivity across the country was also disrupted during the ceremony.

Presidents Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, Daniel Chapo of Mozambique, and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia were the only foreign leaders in attendance. Notably, leaders from neighboring countries—Kenya, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda—did not attend.

In her address, President Suluhu blamed “outsiders” for triggering the deadly protests that erupted nationwide following the disputed election, insisting that Tanzanians themselves were not behind the unrest.

The ceremony’s restricted nature and heightened security measures reflected the tense atmosphere gripping the country after weeks of post-election violence that left several people dead and many injured.