“Hundreds Killed, Thousands Abducted” – U.S. Senators Criticize Tanzania’s Flawed Elections

Two senior U.S. senators have urged Washington to rethink its ties with Tanzania. They criticized the October 29 election as deeply flawed. Senators Jim Risch and Jeanne Shaheen said the polls involved repression, abductions and deadly force.

In a joint statement, they said public frustration boiled over into protests. Security forces responded with brutal force. “On Wednesday, October 29th, Tanzania held elections marred by state-sponsored political repression, targeted abductions and manipulation. Tanzania’s election was decided well before October 29th.

In response, Tanzanians took to the streets to display their deep frustration and anger. Unfortunately, the government’s heavy-handed security response resulted in the death of hundreds and the abduction and imprisonment of many more,” the senators said.

They added the violence was unprecedented in recent history. A nationwide internet blackout worsened the situation. Businesses were disrupted. Citizens were isolated. “Tanzania’s ruling party has created an environment of fear that challenges the security of the country and neighbouring states,” the statement read.

The senators said the country’s democratic drift requires a reassessment of U.S.-Tanzania relations. For decades, ties were based on shared values, security, and economic interests. Now, they warned, Washington must review the future of engagement.

Their remarks came after President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced an inquiry into the killings. She won the election with 98 percent of the vote. Speaking to parliament, she said she was “deeply saddened” by the deaths. She asked security agencies to show leniency to some protesters facing treason charges.

Rights groups estimate thousands were killed. The unrest followed allegations of rigging, opposition disqualifications, and a sweeping internet shutdown. Hassan, who became president in 2021 after John Magufuli’s sudden death, had initially eased restrictions. But political repression returned in 2024, with kidnappings and targeted killings of critics.