Opposition calls for sanctions against Tanzania officials

Tanzania’s opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, has urged the international community to impose sanctions against state officials linked to human rights abuses in last month’s disputed general elections.

President John Magufuli won a second term in the election that was marred with violence and claims of fraud.

The UK and the United States said there had been systematic interference, but the Tanzania’s electoral commission says there was no fraud.

Mr Lissu, in a tweet, called on the international community to ‘impose targeted sanctions, asset freezes, travel bans and such measures as are necessary to end the impunity’.

The opposition leader fled to Belgium soon after the election citing threats to his life. The government said there was no evidence of threats to opposition leaders.