The United States has warned that it is reviewing its entire bilateral relationship with Tanzania following a violent post-election crackdown that has killed hundreds of civilians and triggered global outrage.
Washington said on 4 December the future of ties with President Samia Suluhu Hassan government now depends entirely on its actions.
Crackdown triggers review
“The future of our bilateral relationship with the Government of Tanzania will be based on its actions,” State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in a statement that cited “ongoing repression” and “disturbing violence against civilians”.
Pigott pointed to events before and after the 29 October presidential election, when security forces shot dead protesters and opposition leaders were barred from contesting. President Hassan was declared winner with nearly 98% of the vote – a result dismissed as fraudulent by the opposition Chadema party.
Mass killings and mass graves
United Nations officials say hundreds of people were killed, with satellite images and eyewitness accounts pointing to mass graves north of Dar es Salaam. Human rights groups have filed a case at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague seeking investigations into the killings.
Opposition leaders silenced
Chadema leader Tundu Lissu remains in detention on treason charges he rejects, while another senior figure, Luhaga Mpina, was disqualified on technical grounds. Two prominent activists, Maria Sarungi-Tsehai and Mange Kimambi, had their Facebook and Instagram accounts restricted after sharing videos of the violence.
Hassan defends security deployment
Speaking on 2 December, President Hassan insisted the heavy security presence had prevented a coup and accused the international community of double standards when criticising Tanzania while ignoring similar actions in neighbouring countries.
Regional and US pressure mounts
The African Union (AU) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) have condemned the elections for widespread irregularities. United States senators Jim Risch and Jeanne Shaheen, senior members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called for a full reassessment of ties, warning that the crackdown threatens regional stability and American interests.
The State Department review could lead to sanctions, aid cuts or visa restrictions. Washington stressed that recent events have put American citizens and tourists at risk and undermined decades of mutual prosperity.
From reformer to strongwoman
When Samia Suluhu Hassan took power in 2021 after the death of John Magufuli, she was praised for easing some restrictions. Critics now say she has reverted to authoritarian tactics, reshuffling the cabinet and security apparatus to tighten control ahead of the vote.
Streets in Dar es Salaam and other cities remain tense, with funerals for victims continuing and families still searching for missing relatives.
