Washington, DC – Two senior US senators have issued a scathing rebuke of Tanzania’s recent elections, accusing the government of orchestrating widespread political repression, abductions, and manipulation that undermined the democratic process.
In a joint statement released on Friday, Senator Jim Risch, a Republican from Idaho and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat from New Hampshire and the committee’s ranking member, described the polls held on 29 October as “decided well before” election day.
“Tanzania’s election was decided well before October 29th,” the senators said. “In response to these less than credible elections, Tanzanians took to the streets to display their deep frustration and anger. Unfortunately, instead of heeding calls for reforms and electoral transparency, the Government of Tanzania’s heavy-handed security response resulted in the death of hundreds and the abduction and imprisonment of many more.”
The bipartisan statement highlighted an “unprecedented level of violence” surrounding the vote, including internet shutdowns that disrupted businesses, restricted communications, and isolated citizens. It accused Tanzania’s ruling party of fostering an “environment of fear” that jeopardises national security and that of neighbouring countries.
For decades, the US-Tanzania relationship has rested on “shared democratic values, global security, economic prosperity, and strategic investment,” the senators noted. However, they warned that Tanzania’s “continued pivot from the rule of law, reform, and good governance demands a genuine assessment of the US bilateral relationship with Tanzania.”
The criticism comes amid growing international concern over the conduct of the elections, which saw the re-election of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s Chama Cha Mapinduzi party amid opposition claims of fraud and intimidation. Protests erupted in several cities following the results, met with a forceful crackdown by security forces.
The senators’ intervention underscores mounting pressure on Washington to reconsider its ties with Dar es Salaam, a key East African ally in counter-terrorism and regional stability efforts. No immediate response has been issued by the Tanzanian government or the US State Department.
