New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen has called for a review of relations between the United States (US)and Tanzania following the recent general election, which was marred by violence.
In a statement on Tuesday, November 4, Senator Shaheen said Tanzania’s ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) has endangered the safety of Tanzanians and tourists in the country.
The US Senator also described Tanzania’s general election, held on Wednesday, October 29, as fraudulent.
“Tanzania’s ruling party has endangered the safety of its citizens and tourists in the country.
“After these fraudulent elections, the U.S.-Tanzania relationship must be reviewed,” said Senator Shaheen.
On Monday, the US Embassy in Tanzania warned of worsening conditions in parts of Dar es Salaam, citing shortages of basic supplies as well as communication disruptions.
In a statement, the embassy said basic supplies such as food, fuel, and cash were running low in some areas and that flight operations had also been affected.
“Stores of food, fuel, and cash are running low in certain areas. International airports are operational, but international flight operations are intermittent.
“Confirm your flight via telephone prior to traveling to the airport. Be prepared to pass through checkpoints on main roads to the airports,” the alert read.
The US embassy also reminded American citizens and residents to observe the ongoing nationwide curfew and movement restrictions.
On Saturday, November 1, the US State Department urged American citizens to reconsider travel to the East African nation.
The department cited multiple security concerns, including ongoing civil unrest, elevated crime rates, terrorism threats, and the targeting of gay and lesbian individuals.
Widespread demonstrations erupted in Tanzania on Wednesday, October 29, as the country headed into the ballot to elect a new president and members of parliament.
The protests were witnessed in major cities, including Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza, and Mbeya.
Some demonstrations turned violent with the police responding with tear gas, live ammunition, and water cannons.
Following the protests, Tanzanian police imposed a nationwide curfew and mounted several roadblocks. The Tanzanian authorities also shut down the internet across the country, disrupting digital communications.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on November 1 announced President Samia Suluhu had won the election after garnering 31 million votes.
President Suluhu was sworn into office on Monday in Dodoma.
Speaking during her inauguration, Suluhu condemned the recent unrest that led to the loss of life and destruction of property saying the incidents do not reflect the true character of the nation.
Suluhu also claimed that some of the individuals arrested during the protests were not Tanzanian citizens.
“We are deeply shocked and saddened by the loss of life and the destruction of both public and private property. What happened does not reflect the image or reputation of Tanzania, nor does it represent the true spirit of being Tanzanian.
“It is therefore not surprising that some of the youths arrested for such behaviour were found to have come from outside the country,” she said.
