African Union and Leaders Congratulate Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Election Victory

Tanzania, 2 November 2025 – The African Union (AU) has congratulated President Samia Suluhu Hassan on her resounding victory in Tanzania's presidential election held on 29 October 2025, while expressing deep regret over the loss of lives during subsequent protests.

In a press release issued by the AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf on Saturday, the organisation acknowledged the results announced by Tanzania's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

President Hassan of Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) secured 31,913,866 votes, equating to 97.66 per cent of the total ballots cast, according to official results announced by Jacobs Mwambegele, the Chairman of INEC, who said the country had 37.6 million registered voters.

This landslide win marks her first full term - first elected term - after ascending to the presidency in 2021 following the death of John Pombe Magufuli.

The election, however, has been overshadowed by widespread unrest.

Reports indicate that protests erupted in several regions of the mainland Tanzania, with opposition supporters alleging irregularities and incensed after the electoral commission disqualified Hassan's two main opponents - Tundu Lissu of Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) and Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo.

The AU chairperson lamented the fatalities during these disturbances, extending sincere condolences to the bereaved families.

"The loss of human life is deeply regrettable," the statement read, underscoring the need for all parties to prioritise peace.

Youssouf emphasised the importance of upholding fundamental rights and freedoms, such as peaceful assembly and expression.

He urged Tanzanian authorities to protect these within legal bounds and called on citizens to exercise their rights responsibly and without violence.

This appeal comes amid international concerns over the handling of demonstrations, with security forces accused of heavy-handed tactics in some areas.

The AU's press release invoked the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, highlighting principles like the rule of law, human rights, fundamental freedoms, and political pluralism as essential for democratic stability.

Tanzania, a signatory to the charter, has faced scrutiny for its electoral processes, particularly after the disqualification of prominent opposition figures.

Despite the controversies, the AU reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Tanzania in maintaining peace, national cohesion, and democratic progress. It said it stands ready to assist the government and people in these efforts, potentially through dialogue facilitation or observer missions in future.

Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud sent warm congratulatory message to incumbent Tanzanian President over her victory.

"I extend warm congratulations to H.E. Samia Suluhu on her re-election as President of the United Republic of Tanzania. Her victory reflects the trust and confidence of the Tanzanian people," President Mohamud said.

He added that Mogadishu is keen to tighten fraternal bonds and push forward shared goals of regional peace and prosperity.

The two nations, long-standing allies, now eye closer cooperation on security and trade to advance regional peace and prosperity.

President Hassan's victory consolidates the ruling CCM party's dominance, which has governed since independence in 1961, though it came into existence in 1977 after the independence party Tanganyika African National Union (TANU) forged relations with Zanzibar's Afro-Shirazi Party (ASP).

When Hassan first ascended to power, she was lauded as a reformist, who would propel Tanzania to economic prosperity, infrastructure development, and also improve relations with international partners, diverging from her predecessor's more isolationist approach.

Opposition groups have decried the results as undemocratic, claiming voter suppression and ballot stuffing.

Critics were also perplexed by INEC's "effectiveness to tally millions of votes within a very short period" while some wondered where all those votes came from when "after a disruption starting 11am on election day, it was expected voter turnout would be very low".

International observers, including from the East African Community, have called for investigations into the reported anomalies. The United Nations (UN) has also voiced concern over the violence, urging restraint.

The U.S. embassy in Tanzania on Saturday issued an urgent update for American citizens, highlighting a blanket curfew across the country from 6pm to 6am.

In parts of Dar es Salaam, the embassy said security forces have tightened movement controls even further.

Internet services remain blocked nationwide, hampering communication and electronic payments.

While international airports are open, flights are patchy, and travellers have been urged to ring ahead to confirm departures and brace for checkpoints en route.

The embassy advised its citizens to avoid areas where there is likelihood of protests and assembly of large crowds.

Instead, the embassy advised its citizens to keep a low profile, stay alert, and follow local media for developments. The measures stem from ongoing unrest, though officials have yet to specify an end date.

As Tanzania moves forward, the AU's statement, congratulatory messages and condemnations over what transpired on the election day and subsequent days is a reminder of the continent and international community's collective stake in stable governance.

With inauguration ceremonies expected soon, all eyes are on how President Hassan will address the divisions exposed by this election to foster unity in one of East Africa's largest nations.

Tanzania has a population of 68 million people.

As she received her election victory certificate, Hassan said protests were unpatriotic.

"We shall deploy security apparatus to ensure that peace prevails across the country. What we witnessed was very unpatriotic, as infrastructure built by public taxes was vandalised," President-elect said.