U.S announces visa restrictions over Tanzanian Officials

F.P Report

WASHINGTON: Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State on Tuesday has made announced over visa restrictions on Tanzanian officials. Pompeo has also commended Tanzanian for participating in the election process.

According to the press release of U.S State Department Pompeo has said that the United States is announcing visa restrictions on Tanzanian officials responsible for or complicit in undermining Tanzania’s October 28, 2020, general elections.

The actions of these officials subverted the electoral process, continuing the downward trajectory of the country’s democracy, he added.

While pointing out human rights abuses, Pompeo said, Election observers and civil society noted widespread irregularities as well as human rights abuses and violations before, during, and after the election. 

He also emphasized that Opposition candidates were routinely disqualified, harassed, and arrested.  Significant and widespread voting irregularities, internet disruptions, intimidation of journalists, and violence by security forces made this 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, Secretary of State mentioned.

Furthermore, Secretary of State urged 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, Pompeo commented.

While concluding his remarks, Secretary of State mentioned that U.S emphasize that today’s actions are not directed at the Tanzanian people. 

He added that U.S commends 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.