Event Summary
On 15 January 2026, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania delivered a New Year’s address to ambassadors, high commissioners, and representatives of foreign missions accredited to Tanzania. The meeting, held at State House in Chamwino, Dodoma, outlined government priorities for 2026 and reviewed key political, economic and diplomatic developments from 2025, including the October 2025 general elections.
In addressing the election period, the President acknowledged that unrest and violence had occurred. She did not directly refer to reports of shootings or fatalities, instead characterizing the government’s response as necessary to maintain constitutional order and ensure the safety of citizens, foreign residents, and the diplomatic community. For the first time, she also addressed the six-days internet shutdown and service disruptions experienced during the election period. Expressing sympathy to diplomatic missions, development partners, and foreign residents, she stated that the government would remain vigilant to prevent a recurrence of such disruptions. On economic policy, the President reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to private sector–led growth, with a particular focus on the green and blue economy. She called on international partners to support Tanzania’s reform agenda while emphasizing respect for national sovereignty. Referring to the official election results, in which she was declared the winner with 97.6 percent of the vote, she stated that the outcome reflected the will of the electorate and should be respected.
Regarding post-election reconciliation, the President announced several measures, including the establishment of a Ministry of Youth under the President’s Office to formalize youth engagement, particularly among Generation Z. She also confirmed that 1,787 individuals linked to election-related unrest had been pardoned. In addition, she stated that an independent commission of inquiry had been constituted to investigate the October 2025 events and pledged to establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission as part of the constitutional reform process. She described the government’s forward agenda as centered on justice, dialogue, and renewed respect for democratic processes, alongside commitments to protect investments, strengthen the enabling environment for innovation, and deepen engagement with international partners to promote inclusive growth. The address did not explicitly reference civil society organizations or the broader civic space, leaving their role unaddressed.
However, the selective framing of events particularly the absence of direct references to reported fatalities, civic space, media freedom, or civil society also reflects a recurring pattern. Over the past year, official communications have tended to prioritize state stability and economic continuity while minimizing discussion of contentious governance issues.