The African Union (AU) has congratulated Samia Suluhu Hassan for winning Tanzania’s presidential election.
AUC Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, in a statement on November 1, congratulated Samia but also asked the Tanzania authorities to uphold the rule of law.
“The chair of the AU’s secretariat, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf takes note of the results of the presidential election in Tanzania and congratulates H.E. President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her victory,” read a statement on X.
“The Chairperson deeply regrets the loss of human life during the post-electoral protests and extends his sincere condolences to the families of the victims,” it added.
But behind the congratulatory tone lies a storm. The Tanzanian vote delivered a staggering near-98% win for President Suluhu in an election marred by the exclusion of the main opposition and heavy police and military presence.
Street protests erupted on the day of the vote. Reports suggest hundreds, perhaps up to 700, may have been killed in the post-poll unrest.
There were curfews, internet shutdowns, and the military deployed.
READ ALSO: Dar es Salaam: Protests, Flames and Fury as Tanzania’s Election Rage Defies Curfew
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, takes note of the results of the presidential election in #Tanzania and congratulates H.E. President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her victory.
The Chairperson deeply regrets the loss of human life during… pic.twitter.com/h9MEOkY7U4
— African Union (@_AfricanUnion) November 1, 2025
The statement by African Union contrasts sharply with the European Union (EU) response: its lawmakers slammed the Tanzanian elections as “neither free nor fair”, accusing state agents of harassment, intimidation and the suppression of opposition voices.
The EU statement went further:
“These elections cannot be regarded as free and fair. The fraud did not begin at the ballot box; it began months before, through harassment, restrictions and the systematic silencing of dissenting voices.”
Netizens on social media blasted the AU for propping up dictatorship.
“An organisation designed to uphold democracy across Africa publicly congratulates a government whose electoral legitimacy is under a cloud. The AU’s eagerness to embrace the outcome raises questions of impartiality,” wrote one of the commentators online.
“The African Union has proved yet again that it is not a champion of democratic values but simply a rubber stamp for ruling regimes,” read another post on social media.
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