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US & EU Review Tanzania Ties Amidst Post-Election Crackdown: Human Rights Concerns Mount After Disputed Presidential Vote

Dec 5, 2025 Tanzania Tanzania International Relations
US & EU Review Tanzania Ties Amidst Post-Election Crackdown: Human Rights Concerns Mount After Disputed Presidential Vote

The U.S. is reviewing its ties with Tanzania following a deadly post-election crackdown and human rights abuses after a disputed October presidential vote. The

International Pressure Mounts on Tanzania After Post-Election Crackdown

The United States is undertaking a comprehensive review of its diplomatic relations with Tanzania. This reassessment comes in the wake of the U.S. State Department's strong condemnation of what it described as "repression" and "disturbing violence against civilians" following Tanzania's contentious October presidential election.

The election saw President Samia Suluhu Hassan secure another term amidst widespread allegations of irregularities and a severe government crackdown on opposition figures and protesters. U.S. officials have expressed significant concerns regarding the Tanzanian government's actions, questioning the stability of the bilateral relationship and the nation's reliability as an East African partner.

Disputed Election and Mounting Casualties

The October 29 election, which saw President Hassan claim an overwhelming 98% of the vote, was marred by the exclusion of major opposition parties and the arrest of several of their leaders on treason charges. The country's main opposition, along with the United Nations and various human rights organizations, estimates that hundreds, possibly thousands, may have been killed during the government's response to post-election protests. While an official death toll from the government remains absent, independent verification has been severely limited, fueling international concern.

This scrutiny from Washington marks its most forceful rebuke against Tanzania to date. It follows similar actions from the European Union, which last month suspended tens of millions of dollars in aid, citing the lack of transparency and the violent crackdown.

President Hassan Defends Crackdown, Accuses West of Interference

In a defiant stance, President Samia Suluhu Hassan recently lashed out at Western nations, religious leaders, and opposition figures, accusing them of unwarranted interference in Tanzania's internal affairs. Addressing a gathering of elders in Dar es Salaam, the commercial capital, Hassan questioned, "Do they still think they're still our masters, our colonizers? Why, because of the little money they give us?"

She characterized the deadly violence as an attempted coup and vehemently defended the security forces, who are accused of killing numerous protesters. "Were these really demonstrations or acts of violence? People were destroying government buildings, raiding police stations, and stealing weapons," Hassan stated to an applauding crowd. "Police are mandated to protect lives and property. When people say they used excessive force — what were they supposed to do, just sit and watch a coup happening?"

The Personal Toll: A Family's Search for Closure

Amidst the political rhetoric, the human cost of the crackdown remains stark. Among those killed was John Oduor, a Kenyan teacher tragically shot in Dar es Salaam on polling day. More than a month later, his body remains in a Tanzanian morgue, leaving his family in Kenya unable to repatriate him for a traditional burial. John's elder sister, Celestine, made a heartfelt plea: "I appeal to the President of this great nation, my country, Kenya — please come out and assist us. We need closure as a family. We are tortured, emotionally and psychologically."

Opposition leaders claim the death toll from the government's actions exceeds 2,000. Dozens have been arrested, opposition offices raided, and prominent organizers forced into hiding, with hundreds of protesters still missing and feared dead. The U.N. human rights experts have also condemned widespread violations, including alleged extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and mass detentions, urging the government to provide information on the disappeared and lift media restrictions.

Deepening Crisis in East Africa

Amnesty International and other rights groups warn that Tanzania's post-election crisis signifies a deepening humanitarian and political crisis across the East African region, marked by increasing crackdowns on opposition and press freedom. For families like the Oduors, desperately seeking answers for their missing or deceased loved ones, the ongoing political debates offer little comfort. As Celestine grimly noted, "Each day without answers is harder than the last."

By news 16 hours ago
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