Samia Suluhu Hassan

Samia Suluhu Hassan is the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, having become the country's first female head of state in March 2021 upon the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli, whom she served as vice president. A member of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party, she was declared winner of the October 2025 presidential election with nearly 98% of the vote, after excluding leading opposition candidates from the ballot. The election triggered the worst political violence in Tanzania's post-independence history, with the United Nations estimating that hundreds of people, and possibly thousands, were killed by security forces, allegations the government denies while acknowledging deaths occurred. Hassan appointed a commission of inquiry into the unrest but has defended the security response and accused protesters of attempting to overthrow the government. The violence and subsequent crackdown on dissent, internet shutdowns and restrictions on protest have strained Tanzania's relations with Western partners, including the United States and European Union, contributing to the withdrawal of budget support and financial pressure on government spending. Early in her presidency Hassan was credited with promoting democratic reforms and easing restrictions imposed under Magufuli, but her government has since tightened control over opponents. In 2026 her administration faced a leadership reshuffle after her vice president, Emmanuel John Nchimbi, resigned less than a year into the role following internal party criticism. Her government has also been involved in regional disputes over East African energy infrastructure, including objections to refinery and pipeline projects planned without full consultation with Tanzania.