Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has come out strongly in defence of her government’s recent actions against what she terms as “outsiders” seeking to destabilise the country. Speaking during the swearing-in of new government officials at State House in Dar es Salaam on Saturday, May 24, President Suluhu called on Tanzanians to remain vigilant and united in safeguarding national sovereignty.
“The duty to protect this country is not mine alone, nor is it solely that of the defense and security forces it is the responsibility of all of us,” Suluhu stated in Swahili. Emphasising Tanzania’s heritage, she added, *“Hii ndiyo rasilimali yetu tuliyoachiwa, hatuna nyingine, naomba mkailinde” *urging citizens to protect the country as their only national treasure.
President Suluhu warned of covert attempts to infiltrate government institutions by those bent on causing unrest. “If they don’t succeed directly, they will target our ministries and agencies,” she noted, calling for proactive defence of national institutions.
Her remarks come amid international scrutiny following the recent detention and alleged mistreatment of two East African activists Uganda’s Agather Atuhaire and Kenya’s Boniface Mwangi who were reportedly supporting Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu. The United States, through its Bureau of African Affairs, has called for a thorough investigation into the alleged human rights violations.
“We are deeply concerned by reports of the mistreatment in Tanzania of two East African activists,” the US statement read in part. Both activists were allegedly tortured before being found abandoned near their respective borders.
Earlier last week, Suluhu warned against foreign activists interfering in Tanzania’s internal affairs, saying she would not tolerate such “meddling” that could lead to “chaos.”
The unfolding situation has sparked debate across East Africa, raising questions about regional cooperation, human rights, and political freedoms. However, President Suluhu remains firm that national interest must come first.
As Tanzania grapples with growing international pressure and regional scrutiny, President Suluhu’s firm message underscores a government stance prioritising stability and sovereignty over foreign influence.
