By HAN News Desk
DODOMA — The president of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, on Tuesday inaugurated the country’s new national defense headquarters in the capital, Dodoma, marking a significant step in the government’s efforts to strengthen military coordination and national security.
During a ceremony attended by senior government officials, military commanders and invited guests, Samia officially cut the ribbon to open the facility. In a symbolic gesture celebrating the launch of the complex, she fired a pistol and later handed over the keys of the headquarters to the country’s minister of defense.
Officials said the newly built complex will serve as the central command hub for Tanzania’s defense institutions, bringing together key military leadership and operations under one facility. Authorities say the headquarters is intended to improve coordination, planning and response capabilities of the country’s armed forces.
In remarks at the event, government officials highlighted the importance of strengthening national defense structures as Tanzania continues to modernize its security institutions and respond to evolving regional and global security challenges.
Samia, who became Tanzania’s first female president in 2021, has emphasized reforms and institutional development during her tenure. She secured victory in a presidential election held last year that drew criticism from opposition parties, who rejected the results and accused her administration of electoral irregularities. The government has denied those allegations, saying the vote was conducted in accordance with the law.
The inauguration of the defense headquarters comes as Tanzania seeks to reinforce state institutions and expand infrastructure in the political capital, Dodoma, which has been undergoing rapid development as more government functions are relocated from the commercial hub of Dar es Salaam.
