Tanzania's electoral commission on Saturday afternoon handed over an election certificate to Samia Suluhu Hassan, a ceremony that cements her Presidency amid protests that have crippled the country.
This was after she was earlier declared the winner of the final result announced by the electoral commission on Saturday, showing she had won 97.66% of Wednesday's vote, dominating every constituency.
The election for president and parliament set off days of violent protests as demonstrators took to the streets of major cities to protest against the barring or prevention of Hassan's main rivals from running and what they described as widespread repression.
Despite a heavy security presence, election day descended into chaos, with some demonstrators tearing down banners of Hassan and setting fire to government buildings, and police firing tear gas and gunshots, according to reports quoting witnesses.
Internet connectivity and access to social media and mobile internet have been restricted across several cities during and after the vote.
With Hassan declared a winner and subsequently sworn in by certification, coupled with the current law, no court can hear or reverse the election; tensions and riots are likely to escalate.
And this situation is negatively affecting neighbouring countries like Malawi and Zambia.
Already in Zambia, reports of two deaths from alleged stray bullets on Friday have prompted the closure of the bordering town of Nakonde.
Nakonde District Commissioner Marvellous Sikapizye has confirmed and revealed during a live radio programme on Friday that the two are male, and both died after being rushed to the hospital.
In Malawi, the Malawi Energy Regulation Authority has issued a statement saying ongoing protests in Tanzania have disrupted the flow of fuel imports into Malawi.
However, the statement adds that the Government of Tanzania has assured Malawi it will continue facilitating the transportation of fuel through the ports of Dar es Salaam and Tanga despite the situation.
Malawian President Arthur Mutharika, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, has reaffirmed SADC's readiness to assist in facilitating a peaceful resolution in Tanzania following the violence that erupted after the country's General Elections held on 29 October 2025.
In a statement, Professor Mutharika said SADC is deeply concerned with what is unfolding in that country.
He said SADC has since called upon all stakeholders to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from actions that may further escalate violence and unrest.
Mutharika also stressed the importance of embracing peaceful and constructive dialogue as the preferred avenue for addressing grievances.