Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Monday, November 17, 2025, appointed Khamis Mussa Omar, the country’s current ambassador to China, as the new Minister of Finance, as she unveiled a reshuffled cabinet following last month’s disputed general election.
In a televised national address, President Hassan announced that Anthony Mavunde would continue as Minister of Mining, while Mahmoud Thabit Kombo retained his position as Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The reshuffle follows her appointment last week of former finance minister Mwigulu Nchemba as Prime Minister, part of what analysts describe as a bid to consolidate her administration amid rising political tensions.
President Hassan was declared the landslide winner of the October election, though the outcome has been heavily contested. The vote was overshadowed by violent clashes between protesters and security forces after opposition candidates were barred from participating, triggering widespread unrest.
Human rights groups and opposition leaders allege that hundreds of people were killed during the post-election violence, figures the government has dismissed as exaggerated.
In her remarks, Hassan expressed regret over the turmoil, saying she would launch an investigation into the violence and ensure accountability.
On Friday, she offered condolences to families of the victims, her most direct acknowledgment yet of the deep political crisis that has engulfed Tanzania, the worst in decades.
The new cabinet lineup is expected to face the challenge of restoring public trust, stabilizing the economy, and re-engaging international partners amid concerns about democratic backsliding and governance under her leadership.
