History as Tanzania appoints first female president

Hassan, affectionately known in the country as Mama Samia, was originally vice-president to President John Magufuli

Hassan is currently the only female political leader in Africa (AP)

Tanzania has sworn in its first woman president, 61-year-old Samia Suluhu Hassan, who also becomes the only current female political leader in Africa. 

Hassan made history when she was sworn in on Friday and the government offices of State of House in Dar es Salaam, the country’s largest city.

Due to Covid-19, only the former heads of state were there to witness the inauguration.

In an address on state TV, she said the east African nation should unite and avoid pointing fingers after the death of John Magufuli, her COVID-19 sceptic predecessor.

“This is a time to bury our differences, and be one as a nation,” she said. “This is not a time for finger pointing, but it is a time to hold hands and move forward together.”

The remarks appeared aimed at dispelling a mood of uncertainty that developed after Magufuli, criticised by opponents as a divisive and authoritarian figure, disappeared from public view for 18 days before his death was announced.

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His absence from public life drew speculation he was critically ill with COVID-19. Magufuli died of heart disease, Hassan said, when announcing his death on Wedneday.

She described the late leader as her “mentor”.

Among the first tasks facing Hassan, 61, will be a decision on whether to procure COVID-19 vaccines. Under her predecessor, the government said it would not obtain any vaccines until the country’s own experts had reviewed them.

January Makamba, an MP who worked with Hassan in the vice-president’s office, called her “the most underrated politician in Tanzania”.

He said: “I have observed at close quarters her work ethic, decision-making and temperament. She is a very capable leader.”

Additional reporting by The Associated Press