The US has banned individuals who interfered with the Tanzanian 2020 election which incumbent President John Magufuli won by a landslide.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo revealed on Twitter that Washington identified people who played a role in interfering with the election in Tanzania and would deny them visas. The poll was marred with claims of fraud.
‘‘There are consequences for interfering in the democratic process. Starting today, we are imposing visa restrictions on those involved in election interference in Tanzania. We remain committed to working together to advance democracy and mutual prosperity for both our countries,’’ he tweeted on Tuesday evening.
The US is itself reeling from the ruins of the November 4, 2020, election which served the world a sumptuous spectacle of battle between outgoing President Donald Trump and the incoming leader Joe Biden.
After being rocked by protests and sequences of violence which have thrown the US in the cage of shame, some Twitter users seized the moment to remind Mr Pompeo that his country was no different in following democratic principles.
A user known as Suzanne Painter said: ‘‘I’m betting Tanzania is wondering why you supported the election interference that happened when Trump called Florida to “find” votes for him.’’
The US has also warned African countries against bungling democratic process by constantly telling them that ‘choices have consequences’ but this was her turn.
‘‘Now do travel restrictions on the people who rioted violently at the US Capitol and tried to overturn the result of a legitimate US election and the people who incited them to riot by repeatedly telling them reckless, dangerous lies,’’ tweeted another user identified as Optimistic Truth.
Claims and exile
Magufuli won the election in October 2020 with 84 per cent as his closest challenger Tundu Lissu coming with 13 per cent of the vote. Lissu, a fierce critic of Magufuli’s government and a survivor of attempted murder escaped into exile after the elections. Lissu disowned the results citing massive rigging and took refuge in foreign embassies before flying abroad. He complained that his life was in danger. The electoral commission denied allegations of rigging.