President Samia Suluhu Hassan has strongly criticised a small group of individuals she says engineered the unrest witnessed during and after this year’s General Elections, noting that their actions were driven by selfish political motives at the expense of public safety and national unity.
Speaking on December 2, 2025, at a special meeting convened by the Dar es Salaam Regional Elders’ Council at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC), President Samia said the incidents reflected a dangerous disregard for the rights and dignity of fellow citizens.
She stressed that every Tanzanian regardless of political affiliation is entitled to protection, freedom, and the right to life.
“Every injured person, every life lost, belongs to Tanzania. No one is superior to another,” she said.
“The right to live and to be free is a value we all share. There is absolutely no justification for Tanzanians to harm each other or deny one another freedom. It is heartbreaking to see a few people orchestrating chaos solely to make their fellow citizens suffer for their own political ambitions.”he added
President Samia noted that the unrest had far-reaching economic consequences, particularly in Dar es Salaam, the country’s commercial hub.
She said small businesses, informal traders, and major markets were severely disrupted as fear and uncertainty paralysed daily operations.
“Small-scale traders stopped working, vendors stayed home, Kariakoo came to a standstill, and many people remained indoors,” she said.
“This disruption pushed up prices of essential goods and affected the livelihoods of thousands of families.”he added
The President urged elders, community leaders, and political stakeholders to continue promoting peace, accountability, and constructive political engagement as the country moves forward.