Samia Asks Tanzanians to Pray for Peace, Blames Neighbours for Fuelling Protests

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has called on citizens to turn to God and pray for their country, even as she defended her nation’s peace record and faced mounting international criticism over her contested reelection.

ALSO READ: ‘Viumbe vya Ajabu’ Flood ICC twitter handle, Demanding Justice for Tanzanian protesters

Speaking publicly amid growing tensions, President Hassan described Tanzania as “one of the world’s most peaceful countries” while attributing recent unrest to external influences from neighboring regions.

“Most of those arrested were from neighbouring countries,” the President said, suggesting that foreigners have contributed to Tanzania’s internal instability.

Despite the tough rhetoric, Hassan struck a conciliatory tone toward domestic opposition, indicating her willingness to engage in dialogue. “I am willing to sit down with the opposition and forge a way forward,” she said.

The remarks come as her reelection faces widespread international condemnation. The United Nations, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the African Union have all rebuked the election results, declaring the polls unfair and raising concerns about democratic standards in the East African nation.

Even regional allies have expressed skepticism. Kenyan President William Ruto questioned the credibility of the results, stating that it was “impossible to get 96% in a democracy” – an apparent reference to Hassan’s reported vote share.

The controversy threatens to isolate Tanzania diplomatically at a time when the country is grappling with internal security concerns that the President herself has acknowledged, albeit while shifting blame beyond the nation’s borders.

Hassan’s call for national prayer and her olive branch to opposition leaders appear aimed at easing tensions both domestically and internationally, though whether these overtures will satisfy critics remains unclear.

The international community continues to monitor the situation closely as questions persist about the integrity of Tanzania’s electoral process and the government’s commitment to democratic principles.

Follow us Twitter