President Samia Suluhu Hassan has reassured the diplomatic community and foreign residents in Tanzania of their safety, following service disruptions and internet shutdowns experienced during last year’s general elections.
Speaking at a Diplomatic Sherry Party held at Chamwino State House in Dodoma on Thursday, President Samia expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and vowed that such incidents will not recur.
“To our partners in the diplomatic community and to foreigners residing here, I express my sincere sympathy for the uncertainty, service disruptions, and internet shutdowns you experienced. I assure you that we remain vigilant to ensure your safety and prevent any repeat of such experiences,” she said.
The President’s remarks come as Tanzania reflects on its Seventh Democratic Election, fully funded through domestic resources, and which achieved nearly 45 percent women representation in the National Assembly.
She highlighted that these milestones demonstrate national ownership, institutional maturity, and the government’s commitment to self-reliance in managing democratic processes.
“Despite these remarkable achievements, we acknowledge with heavy hearts the challenges of unrest and violence on election day and shortly thereafter. Our response was necessary to maintain constitutional order and ensure the safety of all citizens and the diplomatic community,” she added.
On democracy, President Samia noted that it is a journey of growth and that all political systems encounter grievances, emphasizing that there is no universal formula to address each country’s unique challenges.
“We must afford each other the space to learn and grow with humility. To those who sent solidarity and congratulatory messages, we thank you. To those who did not, we take note of your feedback. I call upon our friends of goodwill to support our reforms, and to those who may not share our vision, I ask that you at least respect our sovereignty,” she said.
President Samia also underscored that the voice of Tanzanians, expressed through the ballot box, must be respected.
She outlined measures taken to promote national healing, including the establishment of the Ministry of Youth under the President’s Office to harness the energy of the next generation, pardons granted to 1,787 convicts involved in the unrest of 29 October, the formation of an Independent Commission of Inquiry in line with the Constitution, and a pledge to establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission ahead of the new Constitution process.