Tanzania’s President Cautions That Poll Violence May Harm Access to Funding

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has cautioned that the violence which followed the country’s disputed October election may damage Tanzania’s international reputation and undermine its ability to secure foreign funding.

Speaking during the swearing-in of newly appointed government ministers, Hassan said the unrest had tarnished the country’s image and could limit access to crucial external loans.

She urged officials to intensify efforts to generate more domestic revenue, noting that despite gradual progress, Tanzania still relies heavily on external financial support as  international aid accounted for roughly 23% of government revenue in 2023.

Hassan won the election with over 97% of the vote, a result that drew criticism from international observers. The African Union reported that the poll fell short of global democratic standards, an assessment the government has rejected, insisting that the election was free and fair.

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