U.S. Launches Full Review of Ties with Tanzania, Warns of Sanctions Over Rights Concerns
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States has initiated a comprehensive review of its bilateral relationship with Tanzania, citing grave concerns over deteriorating human rights, including violations of religious freedom, curbs on free speech, and violence linked to last year’s disputed elections.
The review, announced by the State Department, signals a significant potential shift in decades of cooperation and could result in targeted sanctions, cuts to development aid, reduced military collaboration, and visa bans on senior Tanzanian officials.
The move places direct pressure on the administration of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who was declared the winner of the October presidential election with more than 98 percent of the vote—a result contested by opposition groups and criticized by independent observers. Washington explicitly linked the review to events surrounding that poll and a subsequent crackdown.
“Recent actions by the Tanzanian government endanger American citizens and threaten our long-standing economic and security ties,” a senior U.S. official stated. The review will assess whether Tanzania’s conduct violates shared democratic principles and U.S. laws governing foreign assistance.
As Tanzania’s largest bilateral donor, providing over $600 million in annual development and health aid, the U.S. possesses substantial leverage. Any suspension or redirection of these funds would impact critical sectors in the East African nation.
The U.S. concerns align with growing regional apprehension. Both the African Union and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have expressed unease over the political environment in Tanzania. SADC has specifically urged President Hassan to “halt repression and reopen political space.”
The review underscores a willingness by the Biden administration to recalibrate relationships with African allies where democratic backsliding is perceived. It presents President Hassan with a critical choice: address the cited grievances to preserve a key partnership or face diplomatic isolation and tangible economic consequences.
The Tanzanian government has not yet issued an official response to the U.S. announcement. The outcome of the review is expected to be closely watched as a barometer for U.S. policy in the region.
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