DODOMA, Tanzania — Tanzania's president has, for the first time since the disputed October election, commented on a six-day internet shutdown as the country went through its worst postelection violence.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Thursday expressed ''sympathy'' to diplomats and foreign nationals living in the country, saying the government would strive to ensure there is never a repeat of the same.
Hassan won the October election with more than 97% of the vote after candidates from the two main opposition parties were barred from running and the country's main opposition leader remained in prison facing treason charges.
Violence broke out on election day and went on for days as the internet was shut down amid a heavy police crackdown that left hundreds of people dead, according to rights groups.
Hassan blamed the violence on foreigners and pardoned hundreds of young people who had been arrested, saying they were acting under peer pressure.
Speaking to ambassadors, high commissioners and representatives of international organizations on Thursday in the capital, Dodoma, she sought to reassure envoys of their safety, saying the government would remain vigilant to prevent a repeat of the disruption.
''To our partners in the diplomatic community and foreigners residing here in Tanzania, I express my sincere sympathy for the uncertainty, service restrictions and internet shutdowns you experienced,'' she said.
Hassan defended her administration, saying the measures were taken to preserve constitutional order and protect citizens.
