U.S. Review of Tanzania Relations Amid Concerns
The State Department announced Thursday that the U.S. is conducting a thorough assessment of its relationship with Tanzania. This comes in response to worries about ongoing religious freedom and free speech violations in the country.
Recent actions by the Tanzanian government have raised significant doubts regarding the bilateral relationship and its credibility as a partner. The State Department articulated concerns about the government’s continued suppression of these freedoms, along with obstacles to U.S. investment, and highlighted disturbing violence against civilians surrounding the October elections.
The U.S. cannot ignore actions that threaten the safety of its citizens or the stability of the region. The trajectory of the relationship will depend largely on the Tanzanian government’s actions moving forward.
Tanzania’s recent presidential elections were marred by large-scale protests and a violent response from security forces. The unrest was sparked when Tundu Lissu, the leader of the opposition Chadema party, was barred from participating in the election under treason charges against his party.
Lissu’s earlier comments about “ruining” the election and calling for an “insurrection” have been scrutinized. Incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who took office in March 2021, was initially perceived as more open to opposition than her predecessor, John Magufuli. However, there are growing concerns that Hassan may be mirroring Magufuli’s repressive strategies, with reports of dissenting voices facing harsh crackdowns and several critics disappearing before the elections.
Following Lissu’s arrest and the ban of his party, protests erupted on October 29, as many viewed the election process as fraudulent. The government responded with lethal force, implementing a nationwide curfew and cutting internet access in regions of the country. There were further demonstrations after the elections, with allegations of severe repression following Hassan’s victory.
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed alarm over the casualties resulting from the protests. They called for security forces to exercise restraint and urged the Tanzanian government to release individuals held in what they termed arbitrary detention.
Despite recognizing the need for a measured response to dissent, Hassan indicated potential leniency for those charged with treason. However, unverified reports suggest that the death toll is alarmingly high, with many alleged victims’ bodies unaccounted for.
A group of Western nations in Tanzania reported credible accusations that the government was concealing the bodies of protesters killed during the unrest. The UN has also noted concerning reports of security personnel removing bodies to destroy evidence. Chadema officials claim that the number of fatalities could exceed 1,000, with many being buried in mass graves.
In a joint statement, key U.S. senators condemned Tanzania’s election practices, characterizing them as tainted by state repression and manipulation. They urged the State Department to consider a review similar to the one announced recently.
Critics like Senator Risch highlighted the crackdown on religious leaders opposing Hassan’s administration, emphasizing that this suppression threatens not only Tanzania’s internal stability but also U.S. security and economic interests.
Hassan has alleged that the Chadema party and the protesting crowds are acting at the behest of foreign powers intent on destabilizing her government. In a national address, she questioned the motivations behind the protests and defended her administration’s actions, suggesting that the use of force was necessary to maintain order.
