The United States Ambassador to Tanzania, on Thursday, Michael Battle, reaffirmed that the US remains committed to promoting democratic rights and principles as a fundamental part of its partnership with Tanzania.
This statement follows criticism from President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who earlier this week accused the US Embassy of spearheading a condemnation of recent abductions and killings in the country, coinciding with the approach of local elections in November.
President Samia cautioned foreign nations against meddling in Tanzania’s internal matters, arguing that such actions violate the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
She emphasised the need for respect as Tanzania addresses the security concerns surrounding the rising incidents of abductions.
Although she did not name any mission in particular, the president singled out two recently reported assassination attempts on US presidential candidate Donald Trump as “proof” that incidents of pre-election violence were also prevalent in the West.
But, addressing a democracy conference in Dar es Salaam on Thursday, Mr. Battle acknowledged that the US was not “immune to challenges and imperfections” in maintaining democratic standards as it prepares for its own presidential election this year, but remained adamant that Washington’s support for Tanzania, which he said has so far resulted in about $7.5 billion in aid commitments over the years, would remain hinged on respect for democracy and human rights.
“As long as we remain Tanzania’s partner, we will always speak openly and honestly on these principles. We will not back away or hold back. It is an obligation fundamental and paramount to human dignity and human respect,” he said.
The US embassy in Dar es Salaam was the first to publicly condemn the shocking abduction and violent murder of Ali Mohamed Kibao, an official from the opposition Chadema party, which occurred two weeks prior.