Will Tanzania’s shuttle diplomacy to Western nations bear fruits?

• Tanzania dispatches top diplomat to US and Europe to reassure Western partners
• Analysts warn outreach may bring conditions tied to legitimacy and rights

DODOMA, TANZANIA – Tanzania has launched an intense bout of shuttle diplomacy to mend strained relations with Western countries after a disputed election bruised its international standing.

Since President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared winner of the October 29 general election, Tanzania has faced mounting international pressure and the threat of sanctions from some Western powers. Critics have questioned the credibility of the vote, placing the government on the diplomatic defensive.