The U.S. criticized Tanzania’s arrest of eight opposition leaders during their party meeting on Wednesday, saying the action stifles democratic norms.
Political tensions are rising in Tanzania ahead of the October general elections in which President John Magufuli plans to seek re-election.
These actions follow a disconcerting pattern of intimidation toward opposition members, civil society and media outlets.
The government also closed the Tanzania Daima newspaper following coverage critical of Magufuli’s administration.
“These actions follow a disconcerting pattern of intimidation toward opposition members, civil society and media outlets,” the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania said in a statement on its Twitter account.
