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The ceremony was held on government-owned grounds in the administrative capital of Dodoma, a departure from the past, when president took the oath at packed football stadiums that were open to the public.
Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan was sworn in Monday at a ceremony limited to invited guests, following a disputed election that sparked deadly protests after two main opposition candidates were barred from running.
The ceremony was held on government-owned grounds in the administrative capital of Dodoma, a departure from the past, when president took the oath at packed football stadiums that were open to the public.
Tension remained high in the commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, following three days of election protests. Gas stations and grocery shops were closed with streets were nearly empty as government employees continued to work from home. In Dodoma, most people stayed home.
The Oct. 29 election was marred by violence as demonstrators took to the streets of major cities to protest the poll and stop the counting of votes. The military was deployed to help police quell riots. Internet connectivity has been on and off in the East African nation, disrupting travel and other activities.
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The presidents of Mozambique, Zambia, Burundi, and Somalia attended the swearing-in on Monday. Kenya’s President William Ruto issued a statement on Monday urging Tanzanians to maintain peace and calling for dialogue among stakeholders to maintain national stability. Ruto did not travel to Dodoma on Monday and was represented by his vice president.
