VP Chiwenga Attends Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan’s Inauguration

Dodoma, Tanzania – The Hon. Vice President, General (Rtd.) Dr. Constantino Dominic Guvheya Nyikadzino Chiwenga, today represented His Excellency, the President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, at the official inauguration ceremony of Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, who was sworn in as the re-elected President of the United Republic of Tanzania in Dodoma.

The swearing-in took place at the Tanzania People’s Defense Force parade grounds in Dodoma, in a colorful ceremony attended by Heads of State, Vice Presidents, senior government officials, and foreign dignitaries from across Africa and beyond.

The event marked yet another milestone in Tanzania’s democratic journey, celebrating the reaffirmation of the people’s confidence in the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).

Representing Zimbabwe at the high-level event, Vice President Chiwenga conveyed President Mnangagwa’s warm congratulations and best wishes to President Hassan, reaffirming Zimbabwe’s commitment to deepening the long-standing bonds of friendship, cooperation, and solidarity between the two sister nations.

In his message delivered through Vice President Chiwenga, President Mnangagwa said:

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan on her re-election as President of the United Republic of Tanzania.

This victory reflects the trust and confidence that the people of Tanzania have in her visionary leadership and in the policies of Chama Cha Mapinduzi.”

President Mnangagwa noted that the re-election of Dr. Hassan symbolizes continuity in the progressive vision that Tanzania has pursued under the stewardship of the CCM, emphasizing unity, social development, and regional cooperation.

“Zimbabwe and Tanzania share a long-standing friendship and solidarity, grounded in our shared history and aspirations. I look forward to working closely with President Hassan to deepen cooperation between our two nations and to advance our common goals at regional, continental, and global levels,”
said President Mnangagwa.

Zimbabwe and Tanzania’s relationship is deeply rooted in the liberation struggles of Southern Africa. Tanzania, under the late President Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, played a pivotal role in providing political, military, and diplomatic support to Zimbabwean freedom fighters during the struggle for independence.

Over the years, this bond has evolved into a multifaceted partnership anchored on shared values of pan-Africanism, mutual respect, and economic collaboration.

The two nations continue to cooperate through various regional frameworks, particularly under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU).

Vice President Chiwenga’s presence at the inauguration thus underscored the enduring ties between Harare and Dodoma and reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic engagements with its regional allies.

Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, who became Tanzania’s first female President in 2021, has earned wide regional and international recognition for her pragmatic leadership and emphasis on national unity, social inclusion, and economic transformation.

Her re-election marks a significant endorsement of her policies aimed at driving industrialization, expanding education, improving healthcare, and boosting foreign investment.

The inauguration ceremony was characterized by traditional performances, military parades, and speeches that highlighted Tanzania’s democratic progress and the spirit of Pan-African solidarity.

Regional leaders in attendance commended President Hassan for her leadership and commitment to regional cooperation.

Vice President Chiwenga joined other dignitaries in congratulating the Tanzanian leader, noting that her re-election was a triumph not only for the people of Tanzania but also for the broader ideals of peace and progress across Africa.

Vice President Chiwenga’s mission to Tanzania highlighted Zimbabwe’s active engagement within the Southern African region and its commitment to promoting unity, economic cooperation, and shared prosperity.

Analysts have noted that Zimbabwe’s participation in the inauguration demonstrates a balanced foreign policy approach anchored on “engagement and re-engagement,” the President’s diplomatic doctrine aimed at restoring and strengthening Zimbabwe’s ties with both traditional allies and new partners.

Foreign Affairs experts have described Vice President Chiwenga’s presence in Dodoma as a strong signal of Zimbabwe’s commitment to regional integration and collective development.

His engagement with other African leaders during the event provided an opportunity to reinforce diplomatic relations and explore new avenues for bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

Zimbabwe and Tanzania continue to explore avenues for expanding trade, tourism, and educational exchanges.

Both nations share common goals in areas such as agricultural modernization, renewable energy, infrastructure development, and digital transformation.

Recent bilateral discussions have also focused on enhancing cooperation in defense, health, and vocational training, reflecting the broad scope of collaboration between the two countries.

With Tanzania emerging as one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies and Zimbabwe steadily consolidating its recovery, the partnership between the two nations holds immense potential for mutual growth and regional integration.

Vice President Chiwenga emphasized that Zimbabwe cherishes its fraternal relationship with Tanzania and remains committed to strengthening ties in all spheres of cooperation.

He noted that both countries share a vision of inclusive growth and sustainable development that resonates with the aspirations of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

As the Tanzanian nation celebrates the re-election of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Zimbabwe joins in solidarity, reaffirming its friendship and commitment to shared African progress.

Vice President Chiwenga’s attendance at the inauguration serves not only as a diplomatic gesture but also as a reaffirmation of Zimbabwe’s role in advancing regional unity and cooperation.

President Mnangagwa’s message to President Hassan captured this spirit succinctly — a vision of mutual respect, development, and shared prosperity that defines the historical and future trajectory of Zimbabwe–Tanzania relations.

As Africa continues to move toward greater integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and other regional mechanisms, leaders such as President Hassan and President Mnangagwa represent a new generation of African leadership committed to collective advancement and Pan-African solidarity.

The Vice President’s presence at the Tanzania People’s Defense Force parade grounds in Dodoma reflects Zimbabwe’s enduring commitment to regional cooperation, peace, and mutual development.

The occasion reaffirmed the strong friendship between Harare and Dodoma — a relationship founded on shared history, mutual respect, and a common vision for a prosperous and united Africa.

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