Fresh reports from insiders close to Tanzania’s State House indicate that President Samia Suluhu Hassan is weighing the possibility of a handshake deal with jailed opposition leader Tundu Lissu, in an attempt to ease the growing political tension that has gripped the nation.
Sources reveal that discussions within Suluhu’s inner circle have intensified in recent days as protests and unrest continue to spread in parts of the country following the controversial election results.
According to those familiar with the talks, Suluhu’s advisers have floated the idea of initiating a national reconciliation effort — similar to Kenya’s 2018 “handshake” between former President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga — to calm public anger and restore stability.
However, the plan is said to be facing a major obstacle. President Suluhu reportedly insists on being formally announced as president first before engaging in any dialogue with Lissu. Her advisers, however, are warning that such a move could further inflame an already volatile situation, especially given that Lissu’s supporters have dismissed the election outcome as illegitimate.
Political analysts say a handshake deal could help Tanzania avert deeper crisis, but it would require both sides to show compromise and goodwill. Many Tanzanians are calling for peace, justice, and dialogue to end the escalating standoff between the government and the opposition.
As tension continues to build, all eyes are now on Dodoma and the prison holding Tundu Lissu — where the future of Tanzania’s political stability may very well be decided.
This is a developing story, and more updates are expected as behind-the-scenes negotiations unfold.
