Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has come under intense scrutiny after appointing her daughter and son-in-law to key ministerial positions in her newly announced government.
During a nationwide broadcast on Monday, President Hassan — declared winner of the contested October 29 presidential election — unveiled a cabinet of 27 ministers and 29 deputy ministers, with two of the most notable appointments being within her own family.
Wanu Hafidh Amei, the president’s daughter, was named Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Technology.
Her husband, Mohamed Mchengerwa, was appointed Minister of Health, taking over a crucial portfolio amid growing public discontent.
Other major changes included:
Khamis Mussa Omar, Tanzania’s ambassador to China ? Minister of Finance
Adolf Mkenda retained his position as Minister of Education
Seven former ministers were dropped, while Anthony Mavunde (Mining) and Mahmoud Thabit Kombo (Foreign Affairs) were maintained
President Hassan’s re-election has been overshadowed by:
violent protests in multiple cities,
a nationwide internet blackout,
and a sweeping crackdown on demonstrators and opposition figures.
The United Nations has called for a full investigation into reported civilian deaths, cautioning that the government may be concealing critical evidence.
Opposition party CHADEMA, whose candidate Tundu Lissu was barred from contesting, claims that around 700 people lost their lives during the unrest — and the party says it does not recognize Hassan as the legitimate president.
Global observers have raised red flags over the entire electoral process:
The African Union declared the election not credible The European Union, SADC, and diplomatic missions from the UK, Canada, and Norway condemned the fatalities, suppression of opposition voices, and internet restrictions Rights groups have described the situation as one of the most troubling political crises in Tanzania in recent years
With allegations of nepotism, post-election violence, and international criticism piling up, President Hassan’s latest cabinet announcement has only intensified the debate over governance, democracy, and accountability in East Africa’s second-largest economy.
