The outgoing Trump administration has wielded sanctions against Tanzanian officials allegedly involved in undermining the country’s general elections last October.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday that travel restrictions had been imposed on the affected officials, who were indicted for various forms of electoral malpractices in the East African country.

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

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

The U.S. official alleged that opposition candidates were routinely disqualified, harassed and arrested, while adding that significant and 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,” Mr. Pompeo stated.

The U.S. government urged Tanzanian authorities to ensure that all indicted individuals whose actions had contributed to violence and intimidation during the flawed election are brought to justice. 

President John Magufuli was reelected for a second term, as candidates of the ruling party won majority seats in most regions of the country. 

It, however, remains unclear if the incoming Biden administration which takes over the saddle on January 20 would roll-back the travel restrictions.

(Sputnik/NAN)