US launches comprehensive review of ties with Tanzania, citing repression, election-related violence

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US said Thursday that it doing a full review of its relationship with Tanzania, warning that the East African government’s recent actions have raised “grave concerns” about its reliability as a partner.

The State Department said that Washington continues to value its "longstanding partnership" with the people of Tanzania, a relationship that has contributed to regional security and economic growth.

However, it said in a statement that it cannot ignore troubling developments that have placed American citizens, businesses, and broader US interests at risk.

"As a result, the United States is comprehensively reviewing our relationship with the Government of Tanzania," the department said.

According to the statement, the US is alarmed by the repression of religious freedom and free speech, persistent barriers to US investment, and violence against civilians surrounding Tanzania’s elections this October.

"These actions have put American citizens, tourists, and U.S. interests in Tanzania at risk, and threatened to undermine the mutual prosperity and security that have defined our partnership for decades.

"The United States cannot overlook actions that jeopardize the safety of our citizens, or the security and stability of the region," it said, adding that the future of bilateral relations with Tanzania will be based on its actions.