U.S to review relationship with Tanzania after election violence

The United States government is reviewing its relationship with Tanzania following reports of human rights suppression in the days leading up to and following Tanzania's October 29 elections. 

In a press release issued on Thursday, Thomas Pigott, the Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the US State Department, explained that the past actions of the Samia Suluhu-led administration undermine its citizens' rights to freedom and free speech.

Further, the lives of American citizens and tourists were put at risk, according to the US, thereby threatening to undermine the bilateral ties between the two nations. 

"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. 

"As a result, the United States is comprehensively reviewing our relationship with the Government of Tanzania." 

Pigott emphasised the importance of the review, citing that the US could not overlook actions that endanger the safety of American citizens or threaten the stability within the region.

"The United States cannot overlook actions that jeopardize the safety of our citizens, or the security and stability of the region. The future of our bilateral relationship with the Government of Tanzania will be based on its actions,” he noted.

Nearly a month after Tanzania went to the polls that ended up in a disputed victory for Samia Suluhu, the reported violence, killings, detention and disappearances of hundreds of civilians have caught the attention of regional and international rights groups. 

Last week, the Madrid Bar Association, alongside several human rights groups, petitioned the International Criminal Court (ICC) to probe the Tanzanian government over the killings. 

According to the petition, Tanzanian security forces “murdered thousands of civilians, subjected hundreds to enforced disappearance, tortured thousands in detention facilities, committed sexual violence against detainees and employed cyber-enabled repression affecting millions.”

Further, the European Parliament recently passed a resolution recommending the suspension of Ksh.23 billion aid to Tanzania over the human rights violations.

This, however, sparked concerns from Tanzania's Foreign Affairs Minister Mahmoud Kombo, who urged the European Parliament to reconsider its move. 

"The Government has instructed the Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania in Brussels to continue diplomatic consultations with institutions of the European Union and other relevant stakeholders, with a view to continue strengthening cooperation and advancing shared interests in peace, stability, and partnership," read part of the official communication from the Foreign Affairs Ministry.