Washington, US
The United States on Tuesday imposed visa restrictions on Tanzania officials for undermining democracy in the Eastern Africa country.
The U.S. Department of State said in a statement, in Washington’s latest move to pressure the country’s leaders to uphold democracy and human right.
The Department of State said There are consequences for interfering in the democratic process.
"Today, the United States is announcing visa restrictions on Tanzanian officials responsible for or complicit in undermining Tanzania’s October 28, 2020, general elections." The statement read without naming the officials.
The Department of State said that the actions of these officials subverted the electoral process, continuing the downward trajectory of the country’s democracy.
"Election observers and civil society noted widespread irregularities as well as human rights abuses and violations before, during, and after the election." The statement said adding that the Opposition candidates were routinely disqualified, harassed, and arrested.
The American government said the significant and widespread voting irregularities, internet disruptions, intimidation of journalists, and violence by security forces made the October 2020 election that returned incumbent president John Magufuli in power 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." The fiery statement said.
In his twitter message on Tuesday, the U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo vividly warned that there are consequences for interfering in the democratic process.
"Starting today, we are imposing visa restrictions on those involved in election interference in Tanzania." Pompeo wrote adding that the U.S. remain committed to working together to advance democracy and mutual prosperity for both countries.
In the statement, the superpower country urge the government of Tanzania to reverse course and hold accountable those responsible for the flawed election, violence, and intimidation.
"The United States will continue to closely follow developments in Tanzania and will not hesitate to take additional actions against individuals complicit in undermining democracy and violating human rights."
"Finally, we emphasize that today’s actions are not directed at the Tanzanian people. We commend Tanzanians who participated in the election peacefully and in good faith, and we will work together with all those committed to advancing democracy, human rights, and mutual prosperity." Concluded the Department of State.
Immediately after election the Tanzania Police force confirmed use of lethal force to maintain order that caused deaths and injuries to unarmed citizens during elections in the semi-autonomous Indian Ocean archipelago of Zanzibar which is part of the United Republic of Tanzania.
The country’s Inspector General of Police, Simon Sirro told reporters in the commercial city of Dar es Salaam on Thursday, November 19, last year that only three people died during the general election violence; two in Zanzibar and one in Tarime district.
In Pemba and Unguja, the opposition Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT-Wazalendo) supporters engaged the police in running battles protesting against early voting for government personnel.
“The force used by our officers was force in excess because in an event where their colleague’s throat is slit and his gun taken; then the response must be use of weapon." He said adding that if there was a victim of police gunshot then it’s obvious that there were reasons for use of lethal force because the other side also had weapon.
"There was sporadic violence, especially in Zanzibar where some opposition leaders and their supporters marched with the intention of disrupting the early day-elections on October 27. This resulted in one police officer being shot in the leg, something that vividly indicated the group was determined to bring chaos to the polls," said Sirro.
Whereas the IGP said only two people were killed in the isles, the opposition party says that 13 supporters lost their lives with over 100 injured.
The leader of ACT Wazalendo, Zitto Kabwe told journalists that 13 people had been killed in Zanzibar, 130 others injured, 130 people arrested by police and 14 others missing.
"Thirteen civilians have been killed by gun shots in various parts of Zanzibar, most of the killings took place between October 27 and 29 this year. The dead include one woman and 12 men.” Zitto told the press.
The early voting in Zanzibar was marred with reports of killings by security forces and arrest of main opposition presidential candidate, Seif Sharif Hamad.
The ACT-Wazalendo Communication and Advocacy Secretary, Salim Bimani, told a local media in Pemba that security personnel immensely deployed in the Islands fired randomly at night killing four and injuring many citizens.
He named the deceased on that day as Asha Haji Hassan, Yussuf Shaame Muhidin, Kombo Hamad salim all of Kangagani Kojani constituency and Masoud Salim Fadhil aged 16 of Mzambarauni Wangwi constituency.
Some opposition leaders have gone into exile fearing fir their life including CHADEMA presidential candidate, Tundu Lissu who gunned 19% of votes according to the country's Electoral Commission.
The opposition allege that the EC favoured the ruling party (CCM) by mobilising its agents to count pre-voted votes, use of police force and the army in a democratic election.
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