“A Patriot Builds, Not Destroys” – Tanzania’s President-Elect Samia Suluhu Condemns Protests, Calls for Unity

Tanzanian president-elect Samia Suluhu condemned recent protests. She called them unpatriotic and harmful to national unity. She warned the government would act to protect security. She urged citizens to reject unrest and defend the country’s peace.

Speaking on November 1, after being declared the winner of the October 29 election, Samia said the protesters acted like saboteurs. She accused them of trying to destabilise the nation through mass demonstrations.

“The events in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza, Mbeya, and Msongwe were neither noble nor patriotic. A patriot builds a country; they do not tear it down. This nation was built with the sweat of its people,” she said. She added the unrest affected her and her competitors.

Samia said the government would use all forces and resources to protect the country. “The government strongly condemns these actions. There is no alternative but to preserve the nation. I urge all Tanzanians to reject such conduct and rise together to defend our country,” she added.

Samia won her first full term decisively. She received over 31 million votes, or 97.66% of the total. She ran on the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) ticket.

The election triggered protests after opposition leaders, including CHADEMA’s Tundu Lissu and ACT-Wazalendo’s Luhaga Mpina, were barred from running. Protesters blocked roads, lit bonfires, dragged rocks, and tore banners with Samia’s photos.

Police responded with tear gas, water cannons, and in some cases live rounds. Opposition leaders claimed over 700 people died. The government denied this and accused critics of exaggerating.

The unrest drew international concern. The UN Secretary-General called for calm. Canada, Norway, and the UK urged restraint. The US warned its citizens to avoid risky areas.

Samia became acting president in March 2021 after President John Magufuli died. She was vice president under Magufuli. She now begins her first full term as Tanzania’s elected leader.