Tanzania’s newly sworn-in President Samia Suluhu Hassan made a striking exit from Dodoma after her inauguration, her motorcade turning heads and stirring conversations as much for its luxury as for its symbolism.
Ahead of the convoy were meticulously organised police outriders.
Trailing it were two Santorini-black, full-sized Range Rover SUVs, their flashing sirens and tight formation evoking scenes from a Hollywood political thriller.
But it was the sleek black Range Rover limousine, the presidential chariot, that truly captured attention.
Built on the platform of the 2022 Range Rover L460, the limousine projected an unmistakable aura of power, elegance, and affluence.
On one side, it bore the Tanzanian flag, and was heavily surrounded by hawk-eyed close protection officers, all donned in sleek black suits.
Automotive review outlet Chasing Cars describes the model as one of the most refined SUVs ever engineered, offering a seamless blend of luxury and performance.
“But no Range Rover has ever been as utterly cool – or as incredibly complex – as this all-new 2022 Range Rover,” the site writes.
At its core is a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, delivering 530 horsepower and accelerating from 0–60 mph in just 4.4 seconds via Dynamic Launch.
However, the car is also available with a mild-hybrid petrol or diesel engine, as well as advanced plug-in hybrid models capable of all-electric driving.
Standard features include All-Wheel Steering for agile manoeuvring, Electronic Air Suspension with Adaptive Dynamics, and a cabin defined by sumptuous leather, sustainable Ultrafabrics, and next-generation Active Noise Cancellation built into the headrests for whisper-quiet comfort.
A 13.1-inch curved infotainment display, power-assisted doors, and a four-seat SV Signature Suite in the long-wheelbase version elevate the vehicle to limousine-grade luxury.
Yet, as Suluhu’s convoy glided through Dodoma in polished opulence, the grandeur sharply contrasted with the political turmoil and human rights concerns surrounding the election that secured her second term.
Suluhu was sworn in with an internet blackout still in place after days of violent protests. Opposition groups claim hundreds were killed by security forces, accusing the government of electoral fraud.
The electoral commission’s declaration of a 98 percent victory has been widely dismissed as illegitimate by critics, including the main opposition party Chadema, which was barred from participating.
Human rights organisations have condemned the ongoing crackdown.
In a strongly worded statement, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation said the violence and repression “threaten democracy, peace, and investor confidence” across the region.
“We are watching developments in Tanzania with alarm and misgivings. The violence against demonstrators is unacceptable,” the Foundation said, warning that the exclusion of opposition parties risks eroding public trust and long-term stability.