East African leaders congratulated Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Monday as she took the oath of office for a second term following her re-election in Thursday’s general election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared President Samia, candidate of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, the winner with 97.66% of the vote, securing more than 31.9 million of the 32.7 million ballots cast.
Her victory extends her mandate for a second term, alongside her running mate and incoming Vice President, Emmanuel Nchimbi.
Regional reactions
From Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni praised Hassan’s victory, saying he looked forward to further stronger partnerships in trade, infrastructure, and regional integration.
“I congratulate Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) Party, on her re-election as President of Tanzania. This victory reflects the confidence that the people of Tanzania have in her leadership and vision,” Museveni wrote on X.
From Somalia, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said, “I extend warm congratulations to H.E. Suluhu Samia on her re-election as President of the United Republic of Tanzania. Her victory reflects the trust and confidence of the Tanzanian people. Somalia looks forward to deepening our brotherly ties and advancing regional peace and prosperity.”
The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo said he had congratulated President Samia by phone, describing her victory as a “brilliant re-election”.
“President Tshisekedi commended her leadership and the political maturity of the brotherly people of Tanzania,” a DRC presidential statement read.
Tshisekedi expressed hope that “DRC and Tanzania—two nations bound by geography, culture, and history—will continue to strengthen their bilateral cooperation for the mutual benefit of their peoples.”
Regional cooperation
Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye travelled to Dodoma to attend the inauguration ceremony before commending Hassan on social media.
“I extend my sincere congratulations on your re-election, wishing you success and prosperity. Burundi and Tanzania will continue to strengthen their excellent cooperation for our shared development,” Ndayishimiye said.
Kenya’s President William Ruto also joined counterparts in congratulating Tanzania’s leader by praising Kenya and Tanzania's deep historical ties and common aspirations.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Kenya, and on my own behalf, I extend sincere congratulations to Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan on her re-election in the General Election held on 29 October 2025,” Ruto wrote.
Chama Cha Mapinduzi has been Tanzania’s ruling party since independence in 1961. Under Tanzanian law, presidential results are final and cannot be challenged in court, underscoring the legal certainty of the outcome.
