The African Union chairperson congratulated Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan on her landslide election victory, while acknowledging post-election violence that claimed lives. The statement sparked widespread backlash on social media, particularly from Kenyans, who accused the AU of insensitivity. Critics highlighted the timing of the congratulations amid reports of deaths during protests.
On Saturday, November 1, 2025, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf issued a statement congratulating President Samia Suluhu Hassan on her re-election in Tanzania's general elections held the previous Wednesday. Suluhu secured 98 percent of the votes after the disqualification of the two main opposition party leaders.
The statement noted the election results and expressed regret over the loss of lives in post-electoral protests. 'The Chairperson deeply regrets the loss of human life during the post-electoral protests and extends his sincere condolences to the families of the victims,' it read. Youssouf also urged calm among citizens exercising their right to picket and emphasized upholding rights to peaceful assembly and expression within the law.
However, the dual message of congratulations and condolences ignited uproar on social media, especially among Kenyans. One user commented, 'African Union really out here sending condolences and congratulations in the same paragraph, like a eulogy signed by the murderer.' Another added, 'You are not extending condolences to victims’ families if you are congratulating those responsible for their victimisation.'
Critics questioned the AU's role, with one asking, 'Why is the African Union so quick to send congratulations at a time when lives were lost? Is the Union protecting Electoral Authoritarianism in Africa?' Others accused the organization of bias due to funding from member states: 'An organisation fed by the same hands it’s meant to discipline will never bite.' Some even challenged the election's legitimacy: 'This is a very shameful statement. Was there an election in Tanzania? You had observers on the ground; did you listen to their reports?'
The backlash also touched on regional politics, with some users mocking Kenyans who had opposed Raila Odinga's candidacy for the AU chair position earlier in the year, suggesting a different outcome might have altered the response.