Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been sworn in for a second term in office under tight security, following a contentious election marred by violent protests and widespread accusations of fraud.

The inauguration ceremony, held at a military parade ground in the capital, Dodoma, deviated from tradition, as public access was restricted and the event was broadcast on state television instead of being held in a stadium as in previous years.

Suluhu was declared the winner of the election on Saturday, securing a landslide victory with 98% of the vote.

However, her triumph was overshadowed by the absence of meaningful opposition, as key rival candidates had either been imprisoned or banned from running.

This has led to growing criticism both domestically and internationally, with many questioning the fairness and legitimacy of the election process.

Concerns over the election’s transparency have been further compounded by reports of violent protests in the wake of the vote, with hundreds of lives believed to have been lost.

Authorities have downplayed the extent of the violence, but reliable information has been scarce due to a nationwide internet shutdown imposed on Election Day, making it difficult to verify casualty numbers or obtain independent reports from within the country.

As the president embarks on her second term, the political climate remains fraught with tension and uncertainty, with calls for greater transparency and respect for democratic freedoms growing louder both at home and abroad.

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