Tanzania's new president Samia Suluhu reaches out to opposition

Samia Suluhu

Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu addresses the National Assembly at the Parliament in Dodoma, Tanzania, on April 22, 2021. PHOTO | AFP

Photo credit: AFP

Tanzania's new President Samia Suluhu reached out to the opposition Thursday as she vowed to defend democracy and basic freedoms in the East African country, which had seen a slide into autocratic rule under her predecessor.

Democratic rights as well as individual and press freedom "are important for stimulating development and peace," she said in a maiden televised policy speech before parliament.