Tanzania conducted its General Election on October 29, 2025, to elect councillors, Members of Parliament and the President of the United Republic of Tanzania.
Within three days, the Independent National Electoral Commission confirmed Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan as President. She was sworn in on Monday, November 3, 2025, in Dodoma to continue leading the sixth-phase administration.
In her remarks at the swearing-in ceremony, President Samia urged citizens to safeguard national unity and stability.
She referred to the incidents recorded in parts of Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Arusha and Songwe, stressing that they should not be mistaken for peaceful demonstrations.
"The disturbances were not exercises of political expression, but violent acts that threatened the safety of people and property,” she said, adding that Tanzania’s peace “must never be taken lightly or used for political gambling.”
The Police Force also stated that intelligence assessments found that some of the individuals who took part in the unrest were not Tanzanian residents.
Additionally, online content showed that a number of those encouraging violence were operating from outside the country.
Among the leaders who delivered remarks at the ceremony was Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema. Referencing Zambia’s own political history, he noted that disagreements arising from elections require structured dialogue rather than confrontations.
“Justice is not achieved through street clashes or destruction of property, but through lawful mechanisms and engagement,” he observed.
Political analyst Michael Msubya also commented on the nature of the disturbances, arguing that they did not align with the legal or civic standards of demonstrations.
He said genuine demonstrations have clear objectives, follow established procedures and aim to communicate a public message.
“When you see shops being broken into, fuel stations vandalised and goods stolen, that is no longer political expression,” he said. “Those are acts of criminality which threaten the wellbeing of communities.”
Following the incidents, regional security committees strengthened measures to stabilise affected areas.
Business activities have since resumed in major cities, including Dar es Salaam and Arusha, with public transport, markets and services operating normally as of Tuesday.
The government has encouraged the public to continue supporting efforts to maintain peace, noting that a stable environment remains critical for economic growth and social progress.