Women run the world!
Samia Suluhu Hassan is making history as the first woman President of Tanzania, Blavity reports.
Suluhu, the former Vice President of Tanzania, has been sworn into office as the first woman president of the country after the unexpected death of President John Magufuli at the age of 61. Suluhu is a native of Zanzibar who got her undergraduate and master’s degrees in Tanzania and the United Kingdom before starting her career as an activist, working for the UN World Food Programme.
BREAKING NEWS: Samia Suluhu Hassan sworn in as the 6th president of the United Republic of Tanzania. pic.twitter.com/pOgMCvQbl8
— KTN News (@KTNNewsKE) March 19, 2021
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In 2000 she won a seat in the Zanzibar House of Representatives before becoming a presidential cabinet member. She has served in the National Assembly and the cabinet under President Jakaya Kikwete. She was also the vice-chairperson of the constituent assembly responsible for creating the new constitution for Tanzania. In 2015, Magufuli ran for president, choosing Suluhu as his VP. She has served in that capacity since the two were re-elected last year.
Magufuli had drawn criticism in recent times for his lax response to the coronavirus pandemic and his political stances involving women’s rights, and accusations of political corruption. The former president reportedly passed away from heart disease. There are talks about how Suluhu will differ in her stance and reports that she may shift towards stricter COVID-19 regulations. “Mama Samia,” as she is referred to in Tanzania, is well respected but has not been as open about her own political beliefs.
She will have to work hard to make her mark and has already faced opposition from Christian politicians who take umbrage with being led by someone who is Muslim and a Zanzibari. Nonetheless, Suluhu has already begun laying the seeds for a prosperous legacy. Her daughter, Mwanu Hafidh Ameir, is also a member of the Zanzibar House of Representatives. Many believe that Suluhu’s rise to power may present an opportunity for her to build a political dynasty.
Suluhu will serve the remainder of Magufuli’s term, which lasts until 2025, at which time she will be eligible for re-election.
Congratulations President Suluhu!
Photo Courtesy of ZanziNews