DODOMA, Tanzania: President Samia Suluhu Hassan sees Tanzania as a steady diplomatic bridge in an increasingly divided world, calling for dialogue, multilateral cooperation, and respect for sovereignty, while outlining steps her government is taking to strengthen democracy at home.
Speaking to ambassadors and representatives of international organisations at a diplomatic reception at the State House in Dodoma recently, President Hassan said that global conflict, economic uncertainty, and climate shocks had made diplomacy indispensable.
“In such a world, the value of diplomacy is not ceremonial; it is essential,” she said, adding that Tanzania remained convinced that “dialogue, cooperation and multilateral solutions are indispensable”.
President Samia said Tanzania would not be drawn into global rivalries, stressing that the country seeks cooperation rather than confrontation.
“We will not take sides in a divided world,” she said. “We will build bridges.”
She highlighted Tanzania’s engagement in African and multilateral institutions, congratulating newly elected governments across the continent and reaffirming support for the African Union’s goal of deeper integration and shared prosperity.
Peaceful political transitions abroad, she said, offered lessons that could guide reforms at home.
Turning to domestic politics, President Samia described Tanzania’s October 2025 general election as a milestone, noting that nearly 45% of lawmakers elected were women and that the election was financed entirely through domestic resources.
“That showed national ownership and institutional maturity,” she said.
She acknowledged, however, that unrest and violence followed the election, disrupting services and briefly cutting internet access. Addressing diplomats and foreign residents, Samia offered an apology and reassurance.
“We recognise that stability is the currency of diplomacy,” she said, adding that authorities had acted to protect citizens and prevent a recurrence.
President Samia framed democracy as an evolving process rather than a fixed destination.
“Democracy is a journey of growth,” she said, noting that every political system faces grievances and that there is no universal formula for resolving them.
She said her government had begun a process of national healing, including the pardon of 1,787 people linked to post-election violence, the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry, and a pledge to form a truth and reconciliation commission ahead of constitutional reforms.
She also announced the creation of a Ministry of Youth under her office to channel young people’s energy into national development.
“The voice of Tanzanians has been heard through the ballot box, and that voice must be respected,” she said.
President Samia said her second term would focus on rebuilding trust and strengthening institutions, insisting that recent tensions did not define the country.
“Our path forward will be paved with justice, dialogue and renewed respect for the democratic process,” she said. “We understand the mistakes of our past, but our eyes are firmly on the future.”
Tanzania, President Samia said, remains open to cooperation, committed to multilateralism and determined to move forward without abandoning its sovereignty.
