Tanzania’s President, Samia Suluhu Hassan, has named her daughter and son-in-law among ministers in her newly constituted cabinet, a move that has drawn significant domestic and international criticism.
In a nationwide broadcast on Monday, President Hassan, declared winner of the disputed October 29 presidential election, unveiled a list of 27 ministers and 29 deputy ministers. Wanu Hafidh Amei, her daughter, was appointed Deputy Minister for Education, Science and Technology, while her husband, Mohamed Mchengerwa, was named Minister of Health.
Other key appointments include Tanzania’s Ambassador to China, Khamis Mussa Omar, who becomes the new Minister of Finance.
Adolf Mkenda was retained as Minister of Education, Science and Technology, while Anthony Mavunde and Mahmoud Thabit Kombo also kept their positions as Ministers of Mining and Foreign Affairs respectively. Seven former ministers, however, were dropped from the cabinet.
President Hassan’s re-election has been overshadowed by widespread condemnation following violent protests, an internet shutdown, and a sweeping crackdown on demonstrators.
The United Nations has demanded an independent investigation into reported deaths, warning that authorities may be attempting to conceal evidence. Opposition party CHADEMA, whose presidential candidate Tundu Lissu was barred from the race, alleges that about 700 people were killed and insists it does not recognize Hassan’s presidency.
International observers have echoed concerns. The African Union declared the polls not credible, while the European Union, the Southern African Development Community, and diplomatic missions from the United Kingdom, Canada, and Norway jointly condemned the fatalities, suppression of opposition, and internet restrictions that characterized the election period.
