Harris enters the fray over democracy with visit to Tanzania

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday encouraged Tanzania’s fragile progress toward a more inclusive government as she stepped onto the front lines of America’s push to strengthen democracy in Africa.

Standing alongside Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania’s first female president, Harris cited recent decisions from Tanzania such as lifting a ban on opposition rallies and encouraging more press freedom as “important and meaningful steps” toward democratic reforms in the country. Hassan has undone some of Tanzania’s more oppressive policies even though she came to power as a member of the ruling party.

“The United States will continue to work alongside democratic governments in support of democratic aspiration and the democratic aspirations in particular of the people of this continent,” Harris said.

The two leaders planned to discuss matters of good government, long-term economic growth in Tanzania and the climate crisis.

Hassan noted Tanzania’s participation in a virtual summit on democracy hosted by the