Dodoma Ceremony Marked by High-Profile Absences

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan was sworn into her first full elected term on Monday, November 3, 2025, in a low-key ceremony notable for the absence of several key heads of state from the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC). The event, held at a military parade ground in the capital, Dodoma, rather than a public stadium, took place amid a tense political atmosphere following a disputed election and deadly post-election protests.

While the presidents of Somalia, Zambia, Burundi, and Mozambique were in attendance, the leaders of regional powerhouses Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and South Africa were conspicuously absent. Kenya was represented by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, and Uganda by its Vice President, Jessica Alupo. The limited attendance from neighbouring states has been interpreted by analysts as a diplomatic slight, reflecting growing regional concern over the political situation in Tanzania.

Disputed Election and Allegations of Foreign Interference

President Samia secured a landslide victory with 97.66% of the vote in the October 29 general election, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). However, the election was marred by a government-imposed internet blackout, the barring of key opposition candidates, and widespread allegations of irregularities. The main opposition party, Chadema, rejected the results as a “sham” and has claimed that hundreds of people were killed in subsequent clashes with security forces. The government has disputed these figures.

In her inauguration speech, President Samia described the election as “free, fair, and credible” and blamed unnamed foreigners for instigating the post-election chaos. “What happened is not Tanzanian and not part of our culture. Some of the young men who were arrested were foreigners,” she stated, without providing further details. She also dismissed criticism from international election observers as “external interference,” vowing not to be “dictated to by foreign entities.” These remarks follow a pattern of blaming external actors for internal dissent, a stance that could complicate diplomatic relations.

Implications for Kenya and the East African Community

The political climate in Tanzania carries significant implications for Kenya and the stability of the EAC. Tanzania is a vital trading partner for Kenya, with bilateral trade valued at over KSh 67 billion in 2024. Any prolonged instability or a turn towards more protectionist policies by a Tanzanian government facing a domestic legitimacy crisis could disrupt cross-border commerce and supply chains.

Recent trade relations have already been strained. In mid-2025, Tanzania imposed stringent restrictions on Kenyan traders, actions that Nairobi argued violated the EAC Common Market Protocol. While a diplomatic resolution was found, the incident underscored the fragility of regional economic cooperation.

Analysts in Nairobi fear that the current political crisis could lead Tanzania to become a more hesitant partner within the EAC, potentially stalling progress on regional integration. The EAC has often been criticized for its inability to enforce democratic and governance norms among its member states. President William Ruto of Kenya, who did not attend the ceremony, issued a statement on Monday urging Tanzanians to maintain peace and calling for dialogue to ensure national stability.

As President Samia begins her new five-year mandate, the focus for Kenya and other EAC partners will be on mitigating potential economic fallout and encouraging a peaceful resolution to Tanzania's internal political challenges. The muted regional response to her inauguration suggests that the path to restoring confidence and strengthening regional ties may be complex.