By A Correspondent
Dodoma, Tanzania – Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has officially begun her second term in office, taking the oath of office under intense security and a heavy cloud of political tension. The ceremony, held on a military parade ground instead of the usual national stadium, was closed to the public and attended only by select dignitaries.

The inauguration comes as Tanzania remains gripped by violence, an internet blackout, and mounting allegations of election fraud. State television broadcast the event live, with President Hassan praising what she called a “peaceful and democratic process,” even as reports from across the country painted a starkly different picture.

Hassan was declared the winner of last week’s election with a staggering 98% of the vote — a result immediately dismissed by the opposition as fraudulent. In a statement to AFP, the banned opposition party Chadema said the official results “have no basis in reality,” insisting that “no genuine election took place in Tanzania.” The party has called for the results to be annulled and for fresh polls to be held under international supervision.

Key opposition figures were sidelined ahead of the vote. Chadema’s Tundu Lissu remains in detention on treason charges he denies, while ACT-Wazalendo’s Luhaga Mpina was disqualified over what authorities described as “procedural irregularities.”

In her victory address, President Hassan insisted the vote reflected “the will of the Tanzanian people,” dismissing protesters as “unpatriotic elements seeking to destabilize our nation.” Police, meanwhile, have blamed the violence on “motorbike operators” and “foreign nationals who entered illegally to cause chaos.” A police spokesperson urged citizens to report “any foreigner who is unknown,” a statement that has drawn criticism for stoking fear and xenophobia.

With the internet still shut down across most of the country, verifying reports has become nearly impossible. While electoral authorities claimed a turnout of 87%, observers reported that many polling stations were “largely empty” on election day. Opposition sources allege a death toll in the hundreds following clashes between protesters and security forces. “We have recorded no fewer than 800 deaths since Thursday,” Chadema said in a statement. A Western diplomatic source told the BBC there was “credible evidence” that at least 500 people had been killed. The UN human rights office confirmed “credible reports of at least 10 deaths” in three major cities.

The crisis has crippled the nation’s economy. Prices of essential goods such as food and fuel have reportedly “more than doubled or tripled” in some areas, while schools and public transport remain shut down. Global leaders have expressed growing alarm. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was “deeply concerned by reports of deaths and injuries,” urging authorities to restore communication and guarantee safety. EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas appealed for restraint “to preserve lives and restore public confidence.”

Pope Leo XIV also weighed in on Sunday, calling for prayers for Tanzania and expressing sorrow over the “violence that has left numerous victims.” Amnesty International and other human rights groups say the events confirm their earlier warnings of a “wave of terror” ahead of the election — warnings the government continues to reject.