Tanzanian president appoints former Finance Minister Nchemba as premier

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) - Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan has appointed former Finance Minister Mwigulu Nchemba as prime minister, her office said.

The appointment on Thursday came following the disputed election on Oct. 29 in which the 65-year-old, who came to power in 2021, won a second presidential term.

Mwigulu Nchemba is a pillar of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, having previously served as its deputy secretary general. He has held different portfolios in government over the years, including interior, justice, and finance minister.

Some observers believe the political influence of the appointment would be limited as a section of Tanzanians are yet to recognize Hassan's election.

The country's parliament also unanimously backed Nchemba's appointment. Speaker Mussa Azzan Zungu said 369 lawmakers voted in favor through a secret ballot out of the 371 members present.

Nchemba, 50, pledged in his address to prioritize the welfare of Tanzanians and work diligently to achieve national development goals.

Hassan won last month's presidential election with a landslide after garnering nearly 98% of the vote. But opposition members claimed the election was rigged, triggering deadly protests after main challengers were excluded.

Hassan, however, has defended the election as having been fair.

Four members of the opposition party Chadema, arrested for their role in the post-election violence, were released on bail this week. Dozens of people have been prosecuted over the protests.