- US has launched a review of cooperation with Tanzania after violent and chaotic October 29 elections
- Washington said repression of free speech and religious freedom pushed it to reconsider ties
- In a statement, President Donald Trump’s government warned that Tanzania’s actions have endangered US citizens, tourists and American interests
TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
The United States has taken a tough line on Tanzania, launching a full review of its relationship with President Samia Suluhu’s government.
Source: UGC
This follows the October 29 elections that spiraled into chaos and reports of violence surfaced across several regions.
Opposition leaders were blocked from participating in the process as security forces clashed with crowds, leaving several Tanzanians dead and others injured.
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In a statement released by Principal Deputy Spokesperson Thomas “Tommy” Pigott, Washington said it values its long-running partnership with Tanzanians, describing it as one that has supported economic growth and regional stability.
What US said on Tanzania’s Octoner 29 elections
However, Pigott noted that recent decisions by the Tanzanian authorities have raised grave concerns
“Recent actions by the government of Tanzania, however, raise grave concerns about the direction of our bilateral relationship and the reliability of the Tanzanian government as a partner,” the statement read in part.
Pigott said the US is now carrying out a comprehensive review of its relationship with Dodoma.
He cited rising restrictions on religious freedom and free speech, ongoing barriers to American investment and what he called disturbing violence against civilians in the days leading up to and following Tanzania’s October 29 elections.
US says it won’t look away
He warned that these actions have exposed American citizens, tourists and US interests in Tanzania to unnecessary risk.
According to the statement, Washington cannot look the other way when a partner government takes steps that threaten public safety and regional stability.
“The United States cannot overlook actions that jeopardise the safety of our citizens, or the security and stability of the region,” Pigott said.
He added that the future of the bilateral relationship will depend on how Tanzania responds to these concerns.
Source: Twitter
Did Suluhu defend use of force during election?
In a related development, Suluhu pushed back against claims that her government used unnecessary force during the tense election period.
She argued that the actions taken by security agencies were meant to keep the country stable after reports of unrest and attempts to disrupt order.
She pointed to both internal and external factors as contributors to the violence, saying some groups sought political change through force while outside influences fueled tensions over Tanzania’s resources.
Suluhu maintained that governments across the world respond firmly when public order is at risk.
She also cautioned against fresh demonstrations expected in December, saying the state is ready to act if needed.
While addressing demands for constitutional reforms, she insisted that debate should not be turned into a source of instability, adding that her mandate remains protecting the country’s peace.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
