Uproar as African Union Congratulates President Suluhu on Controversial Election Win
On Saturday, November 1, the African Union (AU) Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, sparked heated reactions after congratulating Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan on her landslide victory in the recent General Elections, where she reportedly won 98 percent of the votes.
The elections were held on Wednesday and were followed by incidents of post-election violence.
In his statement, Youssouf acknowledged the tensions and regretted the loss of lives that occurred after the polls. He also urged Tanzanians to remain calm and exercise their constitutional rights peacefully.
“The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, takes note of the results of the presidential election in Tanzania and congratulates H.E. President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her victory,” the statement read. “The Chairperson deeply regrets the loss of human life during the post-electoral protests and extends his sincere condolences to the families of the victims. He underscores the importance of upholding fundamental rights and freedoms, including the right to peaceful assembly and expression, and encourages the authorities to safeguard these rights within the framework of the law.”
Social Media Outrage
However, Youssouf’s message did not sit well with many Africans, especially Kenyans, who took to social media to criticise the AU for sending congratulations and condolences in the same statement.
Many described the message as “insensitive” and accused the AU of turning a blind eye to the alleged injustices that occurred during the Tanzanian election.
One user wrote, “The African Union is out here sending condolences and congratulations in the same breath—like a eulogy written by the perpetrator.”
Another commented, “You can’t extend condolences to the victims’ families while congratulating the same people responsible for their suffering.”
Others questioned the AU’s integrity and independence, accusing the continental body of shielding authoritarian regimes instead of defending democracy.
“Why is the African Union always quick to congratulate leaders after disputed elections, especially when lives have been lost? Is the AU now protecting electoral authoritarianism in Africa?” one person asked.
Another critic remarked, “An organisation funded by the same leaders it’s supposed to hold accountable will never speak against them. The AU, UN, and EU all operate the same way—protecting power, not people.”
A separate user added, “This is a shameful statement. Were there even real elections in Tanzania? Did the AU observers see what happened, or has the Union just decided to support dictatorships across Africa?”
Kenyans Revisit Raila’s AU Election Loss
The controversy also reignited debate among Kenyans regarding February’s African Union Commission elections, where Raila Odinga lost to Youssouf.
Some Kenyans used the moment to reflect on that decision, suggesting that things might have been different if Raila had won the seat.
“Now I understand why I supported Raila. Everyone knows the Tanzanian elections were filled with irregularities and reports of violence. There was nothing democratic about Suluhu’s victory,” one user commented.
Another sarcastically wrote, “‘Vote for Mahmoud to punish Raila’—and now those same people are protesting against Mahmoud over his AU statement. You really can’t make this stuff up.”
Others pointed out the irony in the political dynamics, noting that President William Ruto had supported Raila’s AU bid while many Kenyans had sided with Youssouf.
“When President Ruto campaigned for Raila during the AU race, most Gen Zs and activists backed the Djibouti candidate instead. Now, the same people are condemning the very man they once supported,” another Kenyan observed.
Allegations Against President Suluhu
President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s overwhelming 98 percent win has raised eyebrows, with opposition groups and international observers questioning the credibility of the vote. Reports indicate that key opposition figures were targeted before the election.
Tundu Lissu, the leader of the main opposition party CHADEMA, was arrested, while Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo, Tanzania’s second-largest opposition party, was disqualified from the race. Critics argue that these actions created an uneven playing field and cleared the way for Suluhu’s massive victory.
Opposition supporters and human rights groups have accused President Suluhu of exhibiting authoritarian tendencies and using state power to suppress dissent. Several Tanzanians have also claimed that intimidation, arrests, and manipulation were used to influence the outcome of the election.
Despite the backlash, the AU Chairperson’s statement remains unchanged, continuing to draw widespread criticism for what many describe as a “tone-deaf” response to a flawed electoral process.
The ongoing uproar underscores the growing frustration among Africans who feel that regional institutions like the African Union are failing to protect democratic principles and human rights on the continent.
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