Tanzania’s President Samia Hassan has appointed her daughter and son-in-law as ministers in her newly formed government. In a nationwide broadcast on Monday, Mrs. Hassan, who was declared the winner of the October 29 presidential election, named 27 ministers and 29 deputy ministers, including her family members.
Wanu Hafidh Amei, the president’s daughter, was named deputy minister for education, science, and technology, while her husband, Mohamed Mchengerwa, took over as health minister. In other appointments, Tanzania’s ambassador to China, Khamis Mussa Omar, became finance minister, while Adolf Mkenda retained his role as education, science, and technology minister. Seven former ministers were removed, but Anthony Mavunde and Mahmoud Thabit Kombo were retained as mining and foreign affairs ministers, respectively.
Mrs. Hassan’s re-election has attracted criticism due to violent protests, an internet shutdown, and a crackdown on demonstrators. The United Nations has called for thorough investigations into reported deaths, warning that authorities may be concealing evidence. Opposition party CHADEMA, whose candidate Tundu Lissu was barred from the election, claims about 700 people were killed and refuses to recognize Mrs. Hassan as president.
International observers have also expressed concerns. The African Union deemed the election not credible, while the European Union, Southern African Development Community, and missions from the UK, Canada, and Norway condemned the fatalities, suppression of opposition, and internet restrictions during the polls.
