April 12, 2026
SUNTV Global Channel | International News
President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania has cancelled her planned visit to Nigeria, opting instead to receive an honorary degree virtually from Nasarawa State University amid concerns over potential embarrassment linked to alleged human rights issues in her country.
The development was confirmed during a pre-convocation briefing by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sa’adat Hassan Liman, who noted that the award ceremony still went ahead as scheduled, with the Tanzanian leader participating remotely on April 11, 2026.
Despite the official explanation surrounding the ceremony, reports indicate that President Hassan withdrew from the physical visit due to mounting international scrutiny over her administration’s human rights record.
During the virtual conferment, a university representative praised her leadership, describing her as “a symbol of modern African governance committed to inclusion and international cooperation.”
However, her administration has faced growing criticism from both local and international observers.
In October 2025, Tanzania witnessed deadly post-election unrest, with opposition figures, including members of the Chadema, alleging that hundreds of people were killed during clashes with security forces.
Human rights group Amnesty International later reported that security operatives used excessive and lethal force against protesters, accusing authorities of showing “a shocking disregard for the right to life and peaceful assembly.”
The report documented incidents of live ammunition being fired at civilians, abuse of detainees, and the alleged removal of bodies to conceal evidence of unlawful killings.
Concerns have also extended into academic institutions, with reports of increased surveillance and repression. A senior lecturer at the University of Dodoma was reportedly arrested in December 2025 after comments made during a lecture, raising alarms over academic freedom.
Additionally, the United States Government has initiated a review of its bilateral relations with Tanzania, citing concerns over political repression, threats to civil liberties, and risks to American citizens.
President Hassan, Tanzania’s first female leader, has continued to face mounting pressure as scrutiny intensifies over governance and human rights practices in the country.
SUNTV Global Channel reports that while the virtual honour proceeded without disruption, the circumstances surrounding the president’s absence have added a diplomatic dimension to ongoing concerns about human rights and governance in Tanzania.
