International relations analyst Thembisa Fakude has voiced frustration over the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) decision to congratulate Tanzania on its recent elections, which have been overshadowed by unrest and claims of vote-rigging.

Fakude said SADC’s response was troubling, given reports of deaths, arrests, and people forced to flee the country.

“Tanzania cannot progress while this form of dictatorship continues under Samia Suluhu Hassan,” Fakude said. “It’s disheartening that SADC chose to applaud the elections despite the violence and displacement that followed.”

He also criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa for what he described as a lack of leadership, saying the South African President had avoided taking a firm stance but later supported the outcome through SADC.

Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner with 98% of the vote, while opposition groups excluded from the race, condemned the election as fraudulent. More than 240 people have since been charged with treason following the violent aftermath.

–ChannelAfrica–