Tanzania Elections: US imposes visa restrictions on officials

The United States has imposed visa restrictions on some Tanzanian officials accused of sabotage during the country’s general elections held in October.

Announcing the restrictions in a statement on Tuesday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said:

“Today, the U.S. is announcing visa restrictions on Tanzanian officials responsible for or complicit in undermining Tanzania’s October 28, 2020, general elections.”

He noted that the officials’ actions subverted the electoral process and caused the downward trajectory of the country’s democracy.

Pompeo said opposition candidates were routinely disqualified, harassed and arrested.

America said it observed widespread voting irregularities, internet disruptions and violence by security forces made the election neither free nor fair.

“Civil society leaders remain under threat in the post-election period, and opposition leaders have fled the country out of fear for their safety,” he added.

Incumbent President John Magufuli and several ruling party candidates in most regions were declared winners.

In July 2019, America slammed visa restrictions on Nigerian officials over the general elections.