Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Jim Risch, high-ranking members of America’s foreign relations committee, on Monday, November 17, called for the bilateral review, accusing the Tanzanian government of political repression.
According to the lawmakers, while the US-Tanzania relationship has always been built on shared democratic values and economic prosperity, the recent killings in the East African nation were a shift from the rule of law.
“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 lawmakers said.
They revealed that the Tanzanian elections held on October 29 this year were marred by state-sponsored political repression, targeted abductions and manipulation.
The duo further added that the country’s election outcome was decided well before the actual polls held on the aforementioned date, with the lawmakers questioning the credibility of the presidential outcome.
“Tanzania’s election was decided well before October 29. In response to these less-than-credible elections, Tanzanians took to the streets to display their deep frustration and anger,” the Senators noted.
Adding, “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.”
Similarly, the Senators criticised Samia Suluhu’s administration of the alleged Internet shutdowns, which they say disrupted business operations and limited communications in the country.
They also disclosed that President Suluhu’s party had created an environment of fear that challenges the security of the country and neighbouring countries.
This petition comes a fortnight after President Suluhu was sworn in as the president for a second term in an election marred by protests, as the opposition rejected the presidential outcome.
Suluhu’s inauguration ceremony was held at a military playground in Dodoma, instead of a stadium, as it had always been the country’s tradition in the previous election outcomes.
Besides the opposition, international observers also raised similar concerns, faulting the Tanzanian government for failing to uphold transparency in the presidential polls.
By James Kisoo
