US senators urge review of ties with Tanzania after post-election violence

Two senior United States senators have called for a reassessment of Washington’s relationship with Tanzania following what they describe as a deeply flawed electoral process marked by repression, abductions and deadly force against protesters.

In a joint statement, U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman Jim Risch and Jeanne Shaheen criticised Tanzania’s October 29 election, warning it had veered sharply from democratic norms.

“On Wednesday, October 29th, Tanzania held elections marred by state-sponsored political repression, targeted abductions and manipulation. Tanzania’s election was decided well before October 29th,” the senators said.

“In response to these less-than-credible elections, Tanzanians took to the streets to display their deep frustration and anger. Unfortunately, instead of heeding calls for reforms and electoral transparency, the Government of Tanzania’s heavy-handed security response resulted in the death of hundreds and the abduction and imprisonment of many more.”

The senators added that the unrest marked an 'unprecedented level of violence' in the country’s recent history, compounded by nationwide internet shutdowns that disrupted business operations and isolated citizens.

“Tanzania’s ruling party has created an environment of fear that challenges the security of the country and neighbouring countries,” they said.

They warned that Tanzania’s shift away from democratic governance required Washington to reconsider the future of its ties with Dodoma.

“For decades, the U.S.-Tanzania relationship has been built on shared democratic values, global security, economic prosperity, and strategic investment. Tanzania’s continued pivot from the rule of law, reform, and good governance demands a genuine assessment of the U.S. bilateral relationship with Tanzania," read the statement.

Their remarks come a day after Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced an inquiry into the killings that occurred during the violent protests that erupted after her landslide re-election.

Hassan, who was declared the winner with 98 per cent of the vote, told parliament she was “deeply saddened” by the deaths and directed that the inquiry probe what transpired.

"The government has taken the step of forming an inquiry commission to investigate what happened," she said, adding that security agencies should show leniency to some of the hundreds of protesters currently facing treason charges.

Rights groups say thousands were killed in the unrest, which was fuelled by allegations of mass rigging, disqualifications of opposition candidates and a sweeping internet blackout that cut off communication across the country.

Hassan, who came into office in 2021 following the sudden death of President John Magufuli, had initially been praised for easing restrictions on the opposition and the media.

However, political repression returned with greater intensity in 2024, with a wave of kidnappings and killings targeting government critics.