Joseph Isangura
Tanzania has entered a new phase of political reflection and diplomatic re-engagement following the country’s most recent general election, President Samia Suluhu Hassan said on January 15, 2026, as she addressed foreign diplomats and heads of international organisations at the annual Diplomatic Sherry Party held at State House, Chamwino.
Speaking before ambassadors representing their countries in Tanzania, President Samia said the past year had witnessed “a wind of change” across the African continent and beyond, marked by elections and peaceful transfers of power in several nations. She congratulated newly elected governments in sister states and reaffirmed Tanzania’s readiness to work closely with them to advance the vision of the African Union of a more united, cooperative and prosperous continent.
The president noted that democracy is not a fixed destination but a journey of continuous growth, acknowledging that every political system faces its own challenges. While Tanzania has grappled with its own internal difficulties, she said the country continues to draw lessons from peaceful transitions of power witnessed in friendly nations abroad, describing such experiences as valuable reference points for institutional reform at home.
President Samia emphasized that diplomacy is rooted in mutual respect, adding that Tanzania values its friendships and partnerships across the world. She extended congratulations to countries marking their national days during the month, saying Tanzania “celebrates alongside them,” and underscored that progress among friends fuels shared development.
Turning to domestic affairs, the president confirmed that Tanzania successfully conducted its seventh multiparty general election on October 29, 2025, describing it as a milestone achieved through full domestic financing. She said the use of internal resources demonstrated national ownership of the democratic process, institutional maturity and the government’s commitment to self-reliance in electoral management.
At the same time, President Samia openly acknowledged the violence and unrest that occurred on election day and in its immediate aftermath. She said the measures taken by authorities were aimed at preserving constitutional order and protecting the safety of citizens as well as the diplomatic community. Addressing foreign partners and residents, she offered an apology for the uncertainty, service disruptions and the temporary internet shutdown that followed the unrest, pledging that the government is taking steps to prevent a recurrence.
As part of efforts to promote national healing, President Samia announced that 1,787 individuals linked to the post-election disturbances have been granted presidential clemency. She described the move as a significant step toward restoring calm and strengthening national unity.
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In what she termed a forward-looking reform agenda, the president also revealed the creation of a Ministry of Youth under the Office of the President, elevating youth affairs to cabinet level. She said the new ministry is intended to harness the energy, creativity and aspirations of young Tanzanians, whom she described as the backbone of the nation’s future.
Quoting Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, President Samia said that while the past offers lessons, the nation’s focus must remain firmly on the future. In that spirit, she announced the establishment of an independent inquiry commission and reiterated plans to form a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which she said would lay the groundwork for a broader constitutional reform process.
Economically, the president reaffirmed that economic diplomacy will remain central to Tanzania’s foreign policy. She highlighted priorities including the blue and green economy, digital technology, and responsible management of strategic resources such as natural gas and minerals to drive job creation and inclusive growth.
In closing, President Samia appealed for understanding and constructive engagement from international partners. She said Tanzania welcomes support for its reform path and, at the very least, expects respect for its national sovereignty. “The voice of Tanzanians has been expressed through the ballot box,” she said, “and that voice must be respected.”
The address underscored Tanzania’s intention to balance accountability, reconciliation and reform as it seeks to strengthen democratic institutions and maintain constructive relations with the global community.
