Tanzania has been thrown into fresh political anger after President Samia Hassan appointed her daughter and son-in-law into key ministerial positions, just days after a violently disputed election that global observers have condemned as anything but credible.
In a nationwide broadcast on Monday, President Hassan unveiled a unilateral cabinet shake-up, announcing 27 ministers and 29 deputy ministers. Among the most controversial picks were her daughter, Wanu Hafidh Amei, named deputy minister for education, science, and technology, and her son-in-law, Mohamed Mchengerwa, appointed the new health minister.
The president, declared winner of the October 29 election marred by killings, an internet blackout, and a harsh crackdown on protesters, also retained several ministers while sacking seven others.
Tanzania’s ambassador to China, Khamis Mussa Omar, emerged as the new finance minister, while Adolf Mkenda kept his education portfolio.
But the backlash has been immediate and fierce.
International bodies have slammed the election that returned Hassan to power. The United Nations demanded a full investigation into widespread killings, accusing security forces of removing bodies to erase evidence.
Opposition party CHADEMA, whose candidateTundu Lissu was barred from contesting, claimed about 700 people were killed and vowed never to recognise Hassan’s presidency.
The African Union, European Union, SADC, and Western diplomatic missions have all condemned the election’s “large number of fatalities,” mass disqualifications of opposition candidates, and the violent suppression of dissent.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Tanzania’s political storm is far from over.
