Two senior members of the United States Senate have urged a comprehensive reassessment of Washington’s relationship with Tanzania following what they described as a fraudulent electoral process marred by repression, abductions, and deadly force against civilians.
In a strongly worded joint statement, U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Jim Risch and Senator Jeanne Shaheen condemned Tanzania’s October 29 elections, saying the polls represented a dangerous departure from democratic standards and plunged the country into unprecedented violence.
‘Election was decided well before October 29’
The senators accused Tanzanian security agencies of orchestrating widespread intimidation against opposition supporters and suppressing freedoms in the lead-up to and during the election.
“On Wednesday, October 29th, Tanzania held elections marred by state-sponsored political repression, targeted abductions, and manipulation. Tanzania’s election was decided well before October 29th,” the statement read.
They noted that public anger over the disputed results spilled into the streets but was met with a violent response.
“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.”
Unprecedented Violence and Internet Shutdowns
According to the senators, the unrest witnessed after the elections marked one of the worst episodes of political violence in Tanzania’s recent history. The chaos was worsened by a nationwide internet shutdown that crippled business operations and isolated millions of citizens from communicating with the outside world.
“Tanzania’s ruling party has created an environment of fear that challenges the security of the country and neighbouring countries,” they warned, suggesting that the instability could spill beyond Tanzania’s borders.
Call to Reevaluate US–Tanzania Relations
The senators said the developments raised serious concerns about Tanzania’s drift from democratic governance, warning that Washington must reconsider its future engagement with Dodoma.
“For decades, the U.S.-Tanzania relationship has been built on shared democratic values, global security, economic prosperity, and strategic investment. Tanzania’s continued pivot from the rule of law, reform, and good governance demands a genuine assessment of the U.S. bilateral relationship with Tanzania,” the statement said.
Hassan Orders Inquiry Into Killings
Their remarks came just a day after Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced the formation of an inquiry commission to investigate the killings that occurred during the violent protests that followed her landslide re-election.
Hassan, who was declared the winner with 98 percent of the vote, told parliament she was “deeply saddened” by the deaths and directed that the inquiry establish the facts surrounding the violence.
“The government has taken the step of forming an inquiry commission to investigate what happened,” she said. She also urged security agencies to show leniency toward some of the hundreds of protesters facing treason charges.
Thousands Believed Killed Amid Allegations of Rigging
Rights groups say thousands of people were killed in the unrest, which stemmed from allegations of massive rigging, disqualification of opposition candidates, and a sweeping internet blackout that shut down communication nationwide.
President Hassan’s administration has faced sustained criticism for the deteriorating human rights situation in the country. Although she was initially praised after taking office in 2021 for easing restrictions imposed under her predecessor, the late President John Magufuli, analysts say political repression escalated dramatically in 2024.
This period saw a surge in kidnappings, enforced disappearances, and killings targeting opposition members, journalists, and government critics.
Growing International Concern
The senators’ intervention adds to rising international pressure on Tanzania amid fears that the country’s democratic backsliding and security crisis could destabilise the wider East African region.
As the inquiry commission begins its work, the global community is expected to closely watch whether Dodoma will address the alleged abuses or continue down what critics describe as an increasingly authoritarian path.
