For the first time in Tanzania’s history, the president has attended an International Women’s Day event organized by the main opposition party, Chadema.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s presence was welcomed by Chadema chairman Freeman Mbowe, who said it was the fruit of meetings aimed at achieving reconciliation.
Ms Samia, who addressed thousands in the meeting, said that reconciliation was ongoing in Tanzanian politics, and that some steps had already been taken meanwhile others were in progress, including the finding of a new constitution.
In her message, President Samia noted it had been difficult to start the reconciliation process as some in her ruling party “were not ready”.
“There were a lot of arguments here and there,” the country’s opposition said. So both parties have certain members who are dissatisfied with the path toward political reconciliation,” Ms Samia remarked.
She is Tanzania’s first female president, taking over after John Magufuli died in 2021.
The opposition accused Mr Magufuli of being autocratic and of cracking down on its leaders and members.
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