The United States announced it is reviewing its relationship with Tanzania after widespread election-related violence left hundreds of civilians dead, according to UN human rights experts, and triggered a wave of repression that Washington says is endangering American personnel, investors, and long-standing bilateral cooperation.
State Department deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Thursday that the Tanzanian government’s “ongoing repression of religious freedom and free speech,” combined with “disturbing violence against civilians” surrounding the contested October 29 presidential elections, has forced Washington to reconsider the foundation of the partnership.
His remarks follow an exclusive CNN investigation that documented police and armed groups shooting unarmed protesters in the streets of Dar es Salaam and other cities.
The evidence included geolocated videos, audio forensic analysis, and eyewitness accounts, all contradicting the government’s claim that only minimal casualties occurred after President Samia Suluhu Hassan declared victory with 98% of the vote following the disqualification of her main rivals.
UN experts estimate at least 700 people were extrajudicially killed. Satellite imagery and testimony point to mass graves north of Dar es Salaam. Hundreds more were detained, and activists say disappearances of opposition members began months before the vote.
The State Department said the violence has “put American citizens, tourists, and U.S. interests in Tanzania at risk,” marking one of Washington’s strongest public rebukes of Tanzania in decades.
In parallel, Meta confirmed it disabled or restricted the accounts of two Tanzanian activists—Maria Sarungi-Tsehai and Mange Kimambi—after legal orders or repeated government pressure. Both accuse Tanzanian authorities of working to silence documentation of abuses.
Tensions escalated further on Tuesday when heavily armed police and soldiers deployed across Dar es Salaam to block planned Independence Day protests. The government warned that demonstrations would be treated as an attempted coup. Residents reported widespread ID checks and armored patrols across major streets, while activists online claimed small protests had begun in some neighborhoods.
Since her re-election, President Hassan has insisted security forces did not act improperly, though she has pledged investigations. No findings have been released.
U.S. officials say the review of bilateral ties will consider the violence, ongoing restrictions on political space, barriers to investment, and mounting concerns about forced disappearances in the pre-election period. The reassessment comes as Tanzania faces its worst credibility crisis since independence.
