Tanzania dispatches envoy to Brussels to avert Sh23.3 billion EU aid freeze
Tanzania's government is lobbying the EU to reverse a proposed aid freeze following unrest linked to the recent elections. Diplomatic efforts are underway to safeguard national interests.
Tanzania has instructed its ambassador in Brussels to lobby the European Union against the immediate suspension of €156 million, which is about $177.27 million and roughly Sh23.3 billion in development aid recommended by the European Parliament over disputed election conduct.
The government of Tanzania has moved swiftly to contain the fallout. On Friday, Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo met members of the diplomatic corps in Dar es Salaam.
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According to reporting by The Citizen, Mahmoud assured diplomats that Tanzania remains committed to constructive international cooperation despite the challenges.
The government briefed ambassadors on the election process and the unrest that erupted on October 29. Officials said they had taken steps to restore peace, protect lives and property and ensure the continuity of public services and economic activity.
The minister highlighted the Commission of Inquiry formed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan to investigate the events, identify their causes and recommend reforms to strengthen national systems.
Regarding the European Parliament’s decision, Mahmoud said Tanzania had taken note of the resolutions and directed its ambassador in Brussels to continue diplomatic consultations with European Union institutions and other partners.
He said the objective is to protect the country’s interests, safeguard citizens who stand to be affected by the aid freeze and strengthen cooperation with the European Union.
The intervention follows Thursday’s vote by the European Parliament, which approved a resolution recommending the halt of funding to Tanzania after raising alarm over unrest and alleged human rights violations linked to the October 29 general election. The motion was adopted with 539 votes in favour, none against and 27 abstentions.
In its statement, the European Parliament cited what it described as a deteriorating human rights environment in Tanzania following recent elections. Members of the European Parliament condemned credible reports of post-election killings and a growing climate of intimidation targeting opposition politicians, journalists, civil society groups and human rights defenders.
Legislators also pointed to the continued detention of opposition leader Tundu Lissu as evidence of shrinking democratic space. According to the Parliament, the European Union cannot continue financing programmes in Tanzania without addressing what it called fundamental governance and rights deficiencies.
“Colleagues, if we stand for democracy, let us use the tools at our disposal. All EU funds must be stopped immediately. All political prisoners must be released immediately,” said David McAllister, member of the European Parliament, during deliberations.
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