US reevaluating relationship with Tanzania following violent election turmoil

The United States is reassessing its diplomatic and economic engagement with Tanzania following violent repression of protesters after Octobers disputed presidential elections, the US State Department reported Thursday.

Experts from the United Nations have estimated that hundreds were killed and many more detained in the wake of the election.

The Tanzanian governments continued suppression of religious freedoms and free speech, combined with persistent barriers to U.S. investment and alarming civilian violence surrounding the October 29 elections, necessitated this review of our bilateral relationship, said State Department deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott.

He added, These events have endangered American citizens, tourists, and U.S. interests in Tanzania, while jeopardizing the shared prosperity and security that have characterized our partnership for decades.

An investigation by CNN revealed that police and armed personnel opened fire on unarmed protesters. Evidence including geolocated videos, audio forensics, and eyewitness accounts confirmed the scale of violence targeting young demonstrators after President Samia Suluhu Hassan secured a 98% victory amid the exclusion of key opponents from the race.

Satellite images and eyewitness testimony also indicated the presence of mass graves north of Dar es Salaam, the countrys largest city.

After the elections, youth-led protests erupted nationwide against the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi party. President Hassan claimed the protesters were being funded to destabilize her government. She acknowledged some casualties occurred, but no official numbers have been released.

In related developments, Meta confirmed that it had restricted social media accounts of Tanzanian activists reporting on the post-election violence. Maria Sarungi-Tsehais Instagram account was blocked following a government legal order, while Mange Kimambis accounts on Instagram and WhatsApp were disabled for repeated rule violations. Both activists criticized the actions, describing them as attempts to suppress voices representing public concerns.

Author: Harper Simmons