Newly sworn-in Tanzanian dictator Samia Suluhu has ordered security agencies to arrest all foreigners living in the country, accusing them of being behind the electoral violence that claimed the lives of more than 3,000 people in Dodoma, Arusha, and Dar es Salaam.
Suluhu, who was sworn in on Monday as president after the disputed October 29th election, issued a communiqué directing the police to arrest all foreigners, particularly Kenyans, whom she accused of interfering with the internal affairs of her country.
While taking the oath of office inside a military barrack in Dodoma, Suluhu blamed foreigners for meddling in Tanzania’s electoral process, insisting that no Tanzanians were involved in the protests that followed her controversial victory.
“It was not a surprise that those arrested were from other countries,” she said without giving details. She vowed to unite the country and directed security agencies to ensure that normalcy returns.
On Wednesday, police launched a major crackdown on Kenyans in Tanzania, accusing them of plotting to overthrow the dictator.
Several Kenyans living in Dodoma and Arusha were ordered to close their businesses, and many were arrested. Authorities said they would be charged with treason for allegedly planning to destabilise Tanzania.
However, some Tanzanians have condemned the arrests, describing the Kenyans as hardworking and friendly neighbours with whom they share strong cultural and economic ties.
“We have Tanzanians living in Kenya, and they are our brothers and sisters too. Tanzania must reconsider this decision of witch-hunting Kenyans. It will be messy,” said a Tanzanian teacher residing in Dodoma.
READ MORE:
Tanzanian Dictator Samia Suluhu On ICC Radar For Killing Over 3,000 Protestors
Hunt For Mchele Ladies Who Drugged a Man And Left Him Dead Inside His Car in Ruaka (Photos)
