Tanzania risks US sanctions over post-election killings, repression

The United States government is comprehensively reviewing its partnership with Tanzania, the Department of State announced on Thursday.

America says recent actions in the East African nation raise grave concerns about the direction of the bilateral relationship and the reliability of the Tanzanian Government as a partner.

State Department spokesperson Thomas Pigott cited the Government of Tanzania’s “ongoing repression of religious freedom and free speech, and the presence of persistent obstacles to U.S. investment.”

The official added that the “disturbing violence against civilians in the days leading up to and following Tanzania’s October 29 elections” required the reconsideration of ties.

According to Pigott, the actions have put American citizens, tourists and U.S. interests in Tanzania at risk and threaten to undermine the mutual prosperity and security “that have defined our partnership for decades.”

The United States leadership declared that it cannot “overlook actions that jeopardize the safety of our citizens, or the security and stability of the region.”

Reiterating its solidarity with the people of Tanzania, the statement noted that the future of America’s bilateral relationship with the Government of Tanzania “will be based on its actions.”

Last week, the European Parliament overwhelmingly adopted a resolution condemning the post-election killings in Tanzania and the deteriorating human rights situation, including the detention of Tundu Lissu, the opposition leader.

Lissu, who faces treason charges, maintains that the current government is illegitimate. His party, CHADEMA, has blamed it for the deaths of over 2,000 people, a figure the authorities have dismissed as “hugely exaggerated.”

However, lawyers and human rights activists have petitioned the International Criminal Court, ICC, urging the Prosecutor’s Office to investigate President Samia Suluhu for alleged crimes against humanity.

The formal request accuses the security forces in Tanzania of summarily executing thousands of unarmed civilians, orchestrating disappearances and sexual violence, torturing detainees, and displacing Maasai communities.

Tanzania risks US sanctions over post-election killings, repression