Tanzania Cabinet Reshuffle: President Hassan Appoints Daughter and Son-in-Law to Key Ministerial Positions

DODOMA, Tanzania — President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced a significant cabinet reshuffle on Sunday, November 17, 2025, elevating family members and political allies to prominent government positions in what is already drawing criticism from opposition groups and sparking debate about nepotism in Tanzanian politics.

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In a move that has sent ripples through the nation’s political landscape, President Hassan appointed her 43-year-old daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, as Deputy Minister for Education, Science and Technology. Simultaneously, the president named her son-in-law, Mohamed Mchengerwa, 46, as Minister of Health. The couple, who are married, will now both serve in the cabinet together.

The reshuffle also saw Ridhiwani Kikwete, son of former President Jakaya Kikwete, promoted from deputy minister to full Minister in the President’s Office for Public Service Management and Good Governance, further expanding the roster of politically connected family members in senior government roles.

Political Dynasty Concerns

The appointments come less than three weeks after President Hassan’s controversial re-election victory on October 29, 2025, which was marred by allegations of electoral irregularities from opposition parties. The election period was marked by violent protests that resulted in reports of hundreds of deaths, though exact casualty figures remain disputed.

Wanu Hafidh Ameir, a Member of Parliament representing Makunduchi Constituency in Zanzibar, successfully retained her parliamentary seat in the October elections under the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party ticket. She has been active in Tanzanian politics since 2005, serving in the Zanzibar House of Representatives for two decades.

Mohamed Mchengerwa, representing Rufiji Constituency in the Pwani Region, previously served as Minister of State in the President’s Office for Regional Administration and Local Government. His appointment to the critical Health Ministry portfolio marks a significant elevation in his cabinet responsibilities.

Opposition Raises Nepotism Allegations

Political observers and opposition figures have long accused President Hassan of nepotism and consolidating power within a close inner circle. The latest appointments are expected to intensify these criticisms, with opponents arguing that the placement of immediate family members in key ministerial positions raises concerns about governance transparency and meritocracy.

The cabinet reshuffle represents a blend of continuity and change as President Hassan begins her second and final term. While she retained the core of her previous cabinet, at least seven ministers from her previous government were dropped, including Deputy Prime Minister Doto Biteko and several other senior officials.

Background

President Samia Suluhu Hassan first assumed office in March 2021 following the death of President John Pombe Magufuli. She became Tanzania’s first female president and won her first full term in the October 2025 elections, though the vote was overshadowed by violence, internet disruptions, and opposition allegations of vote rigging.

The appointment of relatives to high-ranking government positions is not unprecedented in East African politics, but it remains a contentious practice that often draws scrutiny from civil society organizations, opposition parties, and international observers concerned about democratic governance standards.

As Tanzania moves forward under President Hassan’s second term, the composition of this new cabinet will likely remain a focal point of political debate, particularly regarding questions of merit-based appointments versus political loyalty and family connections in government service.

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