DAR ES SALAAM/NAIROBI – Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan was sworn in for her second term on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, in a ceremony that served as a stark reminder of the democratic crossroads facing East Africa. While the event marked a constitutional milestone for Tanzania, the guest list of regional heads of state has drawn sharp scrutiny, placing a spotlight on the widening gap between the East African Community's democratic ideals and the autocratic reality in several member states.

The inauguration, held amid lingering controversy over a disputed October 29 election, was attended by a number of long-serving leaders whose tenures have been defined by repression. Among the most prominent guests were Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, and Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye. Their presence has been interpreted by analysts as a projection of authoritarian solidarity, posing significant diplomatic and economic questions for Kenya, a key regional partner.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, representing President William Ruto, reaffirmed Kenya's commitment to strong bilateral ties, describing Tanzania as a “key friendly neighbour and strategic trade partner.” However, the optics of the gathering present a challenge to the foundational principles of the EAC, which obligate partner states to uphold good governance, democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.

A Tale of Two Presidencies

The attendance of these specific leaders highlights a growing ideological divide in the region. President Museveni, in power since 1986, has overseen a steady erosion of democratic credibility in Uganda, with elections consistently marred by intimidation, state violence, and the politicized prosecution of opposition figures. Human Rights Watch's 2025 report notes that Uganda's human rights environment remains restrictive, with authorities clamping down on free expression and peaceful assembly. Similarly, President Kagame’s rule in Rwanda has been praised for its economic development but condemned for severe political repression. His recent re-election with 99.15% of the vote occurred against a backdrop of repression, and his government is accused of extraterritorial repression, including killings and kidnappings of critics abroad.

In Burundi, President Ndayishimiye’s government, despite initial hopes for reform, has continued a fierce crackdown on civil society, journalists, and the political opposition. A September 2025 UN report detailed hundreds of extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary detentions in the lead-up to recent legislative elections, which the ruling party won with a near-total majority.

In stark contrast was the presence of Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema. Since his election in 2021, Hichilema has been widely viewed as a proponent of democratic renewal, working to restore civil liberties and economic stability after years of rising authoritarianism under his predecessor. His attendance serves as a foil to the other leaders, representing a different, more democratic path that appears increasingly isolated within the region.

Samia’s Own Record Under Scrutiny

President Samia’s own democratic credentials have become a subject of intense debate. After taking office in March 2021 following the death of the notoriously autocratic John Magufuli, she was initially hailed as a reformer. Her government lifted bans on several media outlets, allowed political rallies to resume, and engaged with the opposition. However, critics argue this was more performance than systemic reform. Recent analysis suggests that as she moved to consolidate power for a second term, her administration reverted to the repressive tactics of her predecessor, targeting challengers and derailing promised constitutional reforms. The recent election was criticized by the SADC Election Observer Mission for falling short of regional democratic standards, citing the detention of opposition figures and internet shutdowns—criticism President Suluhu dismissed as “external interference.”

Implications for Kenya and the EAC

This convergence of leaders with questionable democratic records in Dar es Salaam has profound implications for Kenya. As the region's largest economy, Kenya's interests are deeply intertwined with the political and economic stability of its neighbours. The EAC treaty explicitly commits member states to democratic principles, yet the bloc has struggled to enforce these standards, creating a crisis of credibility.

For Nairobi, the challenge is twofold. Diplomatically, President Ruto's administration must balance the promotion of democratic values with the pragmatic need to maintain functional relationships with key trading partners. Recent trade disputes, including Tanzania's abrupt decision in July 2025 to ban foreigners from 15 strategic sectors, underscore the fragility of economic integration when political goodwill is absent. Economically, a region marked by democratic backsliding and political instability is less attractive to foreign investment and poses risks to cross-border trade and infrastructure projects.

The ceremony in Tanzania was more than a formality; it was a reflection of East Africa's precarious political landscape. For Kenya, it serves as a critical moment for reflection on its foreign policy and its role in championing the democratic principles that are supposed to underpin the region's shared future.