Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

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U.S. Re-evaluates Relationship with Tanzania Amid Post-Election ⁣Crackdown

WASHINGTON – The United ⁤States is reassessing⁢ its relationship with Tanzania following a contested October ‌election and ⁣a subsequent government crackdown on opposition figures,protesters,and journalists,raising ⁤concerns about⁣ human ⁣rights and ‍democratic backsliding in⁢ the East African nation. The move⁢ comes as international pressure mounts on Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan‘s ⁣administration to address allegations of widespread ‍abuses.

Hassan ascended ⁣to the presidency in 2021 after the death of John Magufuli, ‌initially⁤ signaling a ‍shift toward reform. ‍Tho, critics contend ⁢her government has not only continued but intensified the previous regime’s⁢ suppression of dissent, prompting ​scrutiny⁣ from ​Washington and international rights organizations.The‌ re-evaluation of U.S. ties reflects growing anxieties about the erosion of democratic norms in a region facing increasing⁢ authoritarianism.

According to ​reports,the post-election​ period ‌has been marked by⁤ violence and repression. Opposition leaders claim over 2,000 protesters have been killed, allegations the government denies. dozens have ‌been arrested, opposition offices ⁤raided, and‌ organizers forced into hiding, with ‍hundreds remaining ⁤missing and⁤ feared dead.⁤

The case of⁤ John Oduor, a Kenyan teacher shot and killed ​in Dar es Salaam on election ‌day, has become a focal point of international concern. More‍ than a month after his death, his body remains in a Tanzanian morgue, preventing his family from conducting a conventional ⁢burial. ⁣”I appeal⁢ to the President of this great nation, my contry, Kenya – please come out and assist us,” Oduor’s ​sister Celestine told NPR.”We need ‍closure ​as a family. We ‌are tortured, emotionally and psychologically.”

On December 9, U.N. human rights experts condemned⁣ the‌ widespread violations in Tanzania, including alleged ‌extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and mass⁤ detentions. The experts called on the government⁢ to provide facts on the fate⁤ of disappeared ⁣persons and lift restrictions on media coverage, citing​ incompatibility with Tanzania’s international obligations.

Amnesty International and other rights groups have ‍characterized the post-election crisis as a deepening regional crisis, highlighting a broader trend of crackdowns on​ opposition and press freedom across East Africa. The situation underscores the⁢ delicate balance between‍ maintaining strategic⁢ partnerships and upholding human rights principles in U.S. ⁤foreign ⁣policy.

For families like⁤ the Oduors, the political fallout‍ offers little solace. “Each day without answers,” Celestine told NPR, “is harder‌ than ⁤the last.”