Samia Suluhu Hassa to become First Female President of Tanzania after death of John Magufuli.

Samia Suluhu Hassan will soon be sworn in as Tanzania President and will lead for the remainder of Magufuli’s term until 2025.

Magufuli was re-elected in November 2020, meaning that constitutionall, his VP will have to complete their term of office.

Samia Suluhu Hassa will be the first female president of not only Tanzania but also of the East African region.

Who is Samia Suluhu Hassan?

The 61-year-old Vice-President, Samia Suluhu Hassa is from the semi-autonomous region of Zanzibar, which is about 99% Muslim.

She has been vice-president since 2015. Prior to becoming Vice President, she was a Minister of state under the Vice-President’s office. Hassan also served in the government of Zanzibar in different capacities.

The tough political road ahead

Some reports say Hassan is not popular across the CCM’s different factions.

According to some Tanzanian political analysts, hardline Magufuli supporters and Christian nationalists oppose her replacing him.

Tanzania has never had a president who is from Zanzibar, which has experienced several contested elections in recent years.

According to a recent political risk report consulted by The Africa Report: “the relative weakness (in political terms) of Samia Suluhu will also contribute to a slowdown in decision-making. […] Such a transition of power may take many weeks.”.

But other reports state that Hassan is backed by factions within the ruling party that support former president Jakaya Kikwete, especially those from Muslim communities.

Mimi Mefo Info