Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has named longtime ally and former finance minister Mwigulu Nchemba as the country’s new prime minister, days after the disputed October 29 elections triggered deadly unrest.
Parliament confirmed Nchemba in a near-unanimous vote, reflecting the ruling party’s strong parliamentary dominance following Hassan’s declaration as landslide winner. Nchemba, a seasoned politician who also served under former President John Magufuli, pledged to support the government’s infrastructure initiatives and a projected 6% economic growth this year.
Rights groups and opposition leaders allege that hundreds of protesters were killed during post-election clashes. The government has dismissed the opposition’s reported death toll of over 1,000 as exaggerated and has yet to provide its own figures.
Critics continue to accuse Hassan’s administration of election irregularities and suppression of dissent, claims the president rejects, defending the credibility of the poll and her human rights record.
Nchemba’s appointment signals the administration’s intent to maintain stability and continuity as Tanzania navigates its post-election challenges.
