Tanzania new prime minister sworn in as post-election tensions linger

Friday 14th November 2025

by inAfrika Newsroom

Tanzania new prime minister Mwigulu Nchemba took office on Thursday after parliament confirmed his nomination in a near-unanimous vote, officials said. President Samia Suluhu Hassan named the former finance minister to replace Kassim Majaliwa, days after a disputed October 29 election. Moreover, the appointment signals continuity in economic management while political tensions over the vote remain high.

Nchemba, 50, is an economist and long-serving lawmaker from the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party.
He previously held portfolios in finance, home affairs, justice, and agriculture before moving into the country’s second-highest executive office. In addition, he has served as MP for Iramba West since 2010, giving him deep experience with parliamentary procedure.

President Hassan told lawmakers that the new premier must restore confidence in government delivery after a bruising election season, according to parliamentary records. She highlighted infrastructure, social services and job creation as priorities for the incoming administration. Furthermore, she urged legislators to back what she called a stability agenda following weeks of unrest.

The October poll returned Hassan with close to 98% of the vote after key opposition candidates were barred from running. However, opposition parties and rights groups allege widespread fraud, intimidation and a coordinated crackdown on protests that followed the announcement. They say security forces used live ammunition, arbitrary arrests and internet shutdowns to stifle dissent in major cities.

The UN human rights office says information from multiple sources suggests hundreds of people were killed during the protests, with many more detained. Authorities dispute opposition figures that run into the thousands and have not published an official death toll. Meanwhile, church leaders and civil society organisations continue to call for full transparency and independent investigations.

Hassan has defended the election outcome and insists security forces acted to protect public order, government statements show. However, African Union observers said the vote fell short of regional and international democratic standards and urged reforms. Therefore, analysts say the new administration faces a dual task of governing and rebuilding trust at home and abroad.

Nchemba inherits a portfolio that includes managing public debt, sustaining growth above 5%, and keeping investor confidence after weeks of unrest. Moreover, Tanzania remains a key transit economy for landlocked neighbours, making stability a regional concern. Diplomats note that disruptions around the election already raised questions about supply chains and cross-border trade flows.

The new premier has pledged to focus on economic reforms, social cohesion and dialogue with stakeholders, according to his first remarks in parliament. He also promised to uphold constitutional order while working with security agencies and rights bodies on concerns arising from the election period. In addition, he signalled support for continued infrastructure and social spending as anchors of Tanzania’s development strategy.

Now, attention turns to the cabinet line-up and how quickly the government can reopen political and civic space. Analysts say early signals on investigations, detainee releases and electoral reforms will shape both domestic sentiment and external partnerships. Overall, the Tanzania new prime minister will be judged on whether he can steer a government elected in turmoil toward a more inclusive and accountable next phase.