U.S. Senators urge “reassessment” of ties with Tanzania

U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Jeanne Shaheen, the ranking member and chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued a joint statement criticizing Tanzania’s recent elections, describing them as marred by state-sponsored repression and manipulation.

The senators said the October 29 vote “was decided well before” election day, citing reports of political intimidation, targeted abductions, and other irregularities. They noted that public frustration over the process prompted street demonstrations, which were met with what they described as a heavy-handed security response resulting in “the death of hundreds and the abduction and imprisonment of many more.”

Their statement also highlighted what they called “an unprecedented level of violence” surrounding the election, including nationwide internet shutdowns that disrupted businesses and restricted communication. According to the senators, actions by the ruling party have created “an environment of fear.”

Risch and Shaheen added that the United States’ “long-standing relationship with Tanzania, built on democratic principles, security cooperation, and economic partnership,” now requires reassessment in light of the country’s “pivot from the rule of law, reform, and good governance.”

The senators’ statement come amid widespread post-election unrest. Protests erupted after President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner with more than 95% of the vote, despite accusations that opposition parties were unfairly excluded from the race. Critics say the election was marred by irregularities, intimidation, and repression.

Following the protests, a court in Dar es Salaam charged at least 240 people with treason. Security forces confronted demonstrators, and reports suggest that hundreds may have died, although officials have maintained denial of widespread violence and defended the legitimacy of the vote. According to court documents reviewed by the BBC, many of those arrested have yet to enter pleas. If convicted, however, they could face the death penalty.

President Hassan has since announced the formation of a commission to investigate the deadly unrest. Speaking at the opening of the new parliament, she extended condolences to affected families, her first conciliatory remarks since the government’s forceful response to mass demonstrations.

Amnesty International has raised concerns about ongoing human rights violations in the aftermath of the election, including unlawful killings and a partial nationwide internet and electricity shutdown. Vongai Chikwanda, Amnesty’s Deputy Director for East and Southern Africa, said the blackouts have worsened the crisis: “For close to a week now, many people in Tanzania have suffered nationwide internet and electricity shutdowns. Amnesty International is particularly alarmed by reports that amidst the blackouts, security forces have used excessive force to suppress and disperse ongoing post-election protests, resulting in the deaths and injuries of protesters.”

Chikwanda noted that this is the third time in less than a year that authorities have imposed internet blockades to silence dissent. “Authorities should promptly, thoroughly, independently, impartially, transparently and effectively investigate all killings by security agents and bring those responsible to justice through fair trials,” she said. “Victims and their families must also be provided with access to justice and effective remedies.”

Amnesty International also called on authorities to allow local and international media to freely report on the situation and to restore access to the internet and essential public services. “The ongoing restrictions are making it difficult to verify information and document election-related human rights violations,” Chikwanda added.

Since the election, reports of growing repression, police brutality, and widespread arrests have continued to mount. Opposition leaders have denounced the results as illegitimate, describing the process as an “open coup.”