WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States has announced a sweeping review of its relationship with Tanzania following reports of widespread human rights violations linked to the country’s October 29, 2025 general elections.
In a statement, Washington said recent actions by President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government had raised “grave concerns” about the direction of bilateral ties, warning that the future of the partnership now hinges on Tanzania’s behaviour in the coming months.
The U.S., which described its relationship with the Tanzanian people as a decades-long driver of prosperity and regional security, cited a string of abuses—including repression of religious freedom and free speech, barriers to American investment, and violence targeting civilians—that have “put American citizens, tourists, and U.S. interests in Tanzania at risk.”
Human rights organisations have accused Tanzanian security forces of carrying out systematic violations before, during, and after the contentious poll.
Reports indicate that hundreds of civilians were killed as authorities launched a lethal crackdown on protests challenging the disputed results.
Witness accounts and rights monitors allege bodies were secretly removed from streets and hospitals to obscure the true death toll.
Arbitrary arrests also surged, with opposition supporters, activists and human rights defenders swept up in mass detentions.
Some detainees were reportedly charged with serious offences, including treason. Among those arrested was main opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who was taken into custody shortly before election day and faces capital charges.
Rights groups further documented cases of enforced disappearances and torture involving critics of the government, deepening fears of a coordinated campaign to silence dissent.
The election period was also marked by a nationwide internet shutdown from October 29 to November 3, restricting access to information and hampering efforts to document violations.
Media outlets and political gatherings were suppressed, while the independence of the National Electoral Commission (NEC) came under scrutiny after the disqualification of multiple opposition candidates.
The U.S. said it “cannot overlook actions that jeopardise the safety of our citizens or the stability of the region,” adding that the reliability of Tanzania as a partner is now in question.
Washington’s comprehensive review is expected to influence future security cooperation, economic engagement, and diplomatic ties.
