DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — The United States has announced a comprehensive review of its bilateral relationship with Tanzania, placing intense diplomatic pressure on President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration. The move follows a disputed election victory and allegations of widespread human rights abuses.
In a statement released on Thursday, December 4, the State Department cited “grave concerns” regarding the country’s trajectory following the October 29 polls, which the government claims President Samia won with 97 percent of the vote.
“Disturbing violence”
State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott explicitly linked the diplomatic review to the government’s recent conduct, warning that the crackdown threatens decades of mutual security and prosperity.
“The Government of Tanzania’s ongoing repression of religious freedom and free speech, the presence of persistent obstacles to US investment, and disturbing violence against civilians in the days leading up to and following Tanzania’s October 29 elections required this reconsideration of our ties,” Pigott stated.
Pigott emphasized that Washington “cannot overlook actions that jeopardize the safety of our citizens, or the security and stability of the region,” adding that the future of the partnership hinges on the Tanzanian government’s next steps.
International outcry and ICC petitions
The US announcement aligns with growing global condemnation. The United Nations has expressed alarm at credible reports indicating that “hundreds” of people were killed or detained in the post-election crackdown, with families still scouring hospitals and police stations for missing relatives.
Last month, the European Parliament moved to suspend direct funding to Tanzanian authorities, citing excessive force against protesters and mass detentions.
Human rights organizations have escalated the matter further, filing a petition with the International Criminal Court (ICC) seeking investigations into the alleged killings.
Looming protests and security alerts
Tensions are mounting ahead of planned nationwide anti-government demonstrations scheduled for December 9, with activity expected to begin as early as today, December 5.
The US Embassy in Dar es Salaam has issued a high-level security alert, warning American citizens to prepare for potential curfews, movement restrictions, and internet blackouts.
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The alert revealed a new level of surveillance, noting that foreign nationals have recently been subjected to searches of their electronic devices for politically sensitive content.
Government defends actions
President Samia has defended the heavy deployment of security forces, asserting that the measures were necessary to thwart an attempted coup.
While her administration acknowledges there were casualties, they have declined to release official figures.
Meanwhile, police have warned that unauthorized gatherings will be dispersed, and prominent activists report that their social media accounts are being restricted, deepening fears of a shrinking civic space.
