Shelleygan Petersen
The Namibian presidency says Malawi’s President Peter Mutharika is addressing the deadly protests in Tanzania on behalf of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Tanzania has been gripped by unrest following the 29 October general election.
The country remains under curfew, with internet and electricity restrictions still in place.
The protests were sparked by President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s decision to ban and jail opposition leaders who intended to contest the election. Many young Tanzanians have taken to the streets, calling for political change.
Presidential spokesperson Jonas Mbambo told the Windhoek Observer on Saturday morning that Malawi, as the current chair of the SADC Organ on politics, defence and security cooperation, is taking the lead in managing the situation.
“In this regard, political and security matters within the region are addressed by the Chair of the SADC Organ on politics, defence and security cooperation, which is currently the Republic of Malawi,” Mbambo said.
Mutharika has been Malawi’s President since 4 October 2025.
Mbambo said the Namibian presidency has taken note of the developments in the United Republic of Tanzania following the elections.
“Namibia expresses its hope for calm and a peaceful resolution in the spirit of unity and solidarity,” he said.
Namibia is the first SADC member state to comment publicly on the violent protests and internet shutdowns in Tanzania.
The presidency emphasised that Namibia remains guided by SADC and African Union principles of sovereignty, democracy, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
