Samia Suluhu Hassan urges vigilance after Tanzania internet shutdown

Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Thursday commented for the first time since Tanzania’s disputed October election on a six-day internet shutdown that occurred as the country experienced its worst postelection violence.

Speaking in the capital, Dodoma, Hassan addressed ambassadors, high commissioners and representatives of international organizations. She sought to reassure foreign diplomats and residents of their safety and said the government would remain vigilant to prevent a repeat.

Hassan expressed “sincere sympathy” to “our partners in the diplomatic community and foreigners residing here in Tanzania” for the “uncertainty, service restrictions and internet shutdowns you experienced,” according to her remarks. She later told diplomats that the government would “remain vigilant to ensure your safety and prevent any recurrence of such experiences.”

In defending her administration’s actions, Hassan said the measures were taken to preserve constitutional order and protect citizens. The remarks came as Tanzania has faced international scrutiny tied to the October election and the violence that followed.

According to the account, Hassan won the October election with more than 97% of the vote after candidates from the two main opposition parties were barred from running. The story also said Tanzania’s main opposition leader remained in prison facing treason charges.

The AP account tied the postelection unrest to a crackdown and the internet disruption. It said violence broke out on election day and continued for days as the internet was shut down amid a heavy police crackdown, with rights groups saying the violence left hundreds of people dead.

The story also said Hassan blamed the violence on foreigners and pardoned hundreds of young people who had been arrested, saying they were acting under peer pressure. Hassan’s comments were framed as part of an effort to reassure international partners following the disruption.

Tanzania has established a commission of inquiry to look into the violence that left hundreds dead and property worth millions of shillings destroyed, the AP account said. Foreign observers cited in the story said the election failed to meet democratic standards because key opposition figures were barred.