DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has revealed that she held discussions with Kenyan President William Ruto on how to respond to a wave of youth-led protests in East Africa, signalling a coordinated and firm stance by the two governments.
Speaking publicly, Suluhu warned against what she described as growing cross-border activism by young protesters—often identified as “Gen Z”—and called for joint action to contain unrest witnessed in both Kenya and Tanzania.
“Hatuna haja ya kugawana, hatuna haja ya kushangilia maovu yanayotokea upande mmoja na upande mwingine ukashangalia,” she said, stressing that instability in one country should be treated as a shared regional concern.
She added that during her talks with Ruto, the two leaders discussed “jinsi ya kudeal na hawa watoto wetu watovu wa adabu,” referencing youth protesters whom she accused of organising across borders under the banner of defending democracy.
Suluhu went further to outline a tough approach, saying authorities should respond firmly to disruptive protests. “Wakija kwangu wachape mikwaju, wakija kwako wachape mikwaju, ili wakae sawa, wanyooke,” she said, remarks likely to stir debate over the use of force in managing demonstrations.
Context: protests in Kenya and Tanzania
Her comments come against the backdrop of recent unrest in the region. In Kenya, Gen Z-led protests—largely mobilised online—have in the past drawn attention to governance, taxation, and accountability issues, at times leading to clashes with police.
In Tanzania, tensions around the Tanzania 2025 general elections saw heightened political activity and sporadic protests, prompting increased state vigilance over public gatherings and dissent.
Suluhu framed the issue as a regional challenge, warning that youth movements crossing borders could destabilise neighbouring states if not jointly addressed.
Governance and rights debate
The remarks are likely to ignite fresh debate among civil society groups, legal experts, and regional observers on the balance between maintaining public order and protecting constitutional freedoms.
In Kenya, the right to peaceful assembly is guaranteed under Article 37 of the Constitution, while Tanzania’s legal framework also recognises assembly rights, though subject to regulatory controls.
Human rights advocates have previously cautioned against excessive use of force in dispersing protests, urging governments to engage youth through dialogue rather than coercion.
