Tanzania challenges EU debate on Tundu Lissu and post-election crisis

Tanzania has protested against the European Union Parliament’s plan to debate its post-election crisis and the imprisonment of opposition leader Tundu Lissu, warning that the move breaks international rules and threatens its sovereignty.

The EU Parliament is expected to discuss the matter today, November 26, 2025, a step that has sparked a diplomatic standoff between Tanzania and the European Union.

In a formal note to the EU Parliament, the Embassy of Tanzania said it was deeply troubled by the planned hearing on the motion titled “Post-election killings and the deteriorating human rights situation in Tanzania, including the case of imprisoned opposition leader Tundu Lissu.”

The government said the issue, which touches on its internal affairs and reputation, was being advanced without allowing Tanzania to respond or correct claims made about the country.

The letter noted that the Samoa Agreement requires dialogue before any unilateral step is taken, and pointed to specific articles that underline this responsibility.

It stressed that Article 2(3) calls for “regular and comprehensive dialogue based on mutual respect,” while Article 5 and Article 87(1) place dialogue at the centre of addressing or preventing disputes.

Tanzania said moving forward without hearing its side goes against these commitments.

The Embassy also warned that the EU Parliament risks basing its debate on “unverified reports and one-sided narratives,” saying this was made worse by the fact that Tanzania was not invited to earlier discussions at the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

It added that the globally recognised rule of natural justice had been overlooked. “The right of the concerned party to be heard before conclusions are drawn has not been observed,” the government said.

Despite the tension, Tanzania said it remains committed to democratic values and the rule of law.

It pointed out that a National Commission of Enquiry has already been set up to look into recent events and deliver an independent account.

The letter added that Tanzania values its long relationship with the EU and believes that open, genuine engagement is the proper way to resolve concerns.

To address the situation, the Embassy asked that the plenary session be moved to a later date so the government can present its position.

If this is not possible, it asked that Tanzania be given time to speak during the session to ensure members have full and balanced information.

“Such engagement will ensure that Members of Parliament receive accurate and balanced information before making pronouncements on matters involving a close and longstanding partner of the European Union,” the note said.

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The Embassy requested an urgent response and provided its contact details before closing by renewing “the assurances of its highest consideration.”

Back home, the government has stepped up a crackdown on individuals and WhatsApp group administrators accused of incitement for pushing for fresh protests planned to coincide with Independence Day on December 9.

President Samia Suluhu has cancelled all public Independence Day events and directed that the budget be used to rebuild infrastructure destroyed during earlier unrest.

She was sworn in on November 4, 2025, at a military facility in Dodoma in a ceremony closed to the public and has since kept away from public gatherings.