Tanzania pushes back on foreign criticism, cites Commission of Inquiry on election violence

The Tanzanian government has officially responded to a series of international statements regarding the events of October 29, 2025, acknowledging the concerns raised by various countries and organisations.

In a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, the government confirmed it has taken note of remarks issued over the past week by a wide range of development partners, including Belgium, Canada, Denmark, the European Union Delegation, Finland, France, Ghana, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, as well as the United Nations Human Rights Council, the United States, and the Thabo Mbeki Foundation.

Alongside these statements, the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group has also expressed strong concern about the political situation and respect for rights in Tanzania.

In a statement released on December 5, the group pointed to challenges facing key Commonwealth values such as democratic governance, freedom of expression, human rights, rule of law, and good governance.

“The Group reaffirmed its commitment to the fundamental values and principles of the Commonwealth as enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter,” the statement said.

CMAG noted that democratic institutions, civil liberties, and adherence to the rule of law are important for peace, security, and long-term development.

The seventy-first CMAG meeting was held virtually and chaired by Ian Borg, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism of Malta. Ministers and representatives from Antigua and Barbuda, Botswana, Canada, Grenada, Malaysia, Mauritius, Samoa, and Zambia took part.

During the meeting, the group received a briefing from Tanzania’s Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo.

Following the presentation, the group raised “collective concern over the reported deterioration of democratic space and civil liberties, both before and after the October 29, 2025, elections”.

The ministers said recent actions, including arrests of opposition figures, limits placed on media outlets, and blocked public demonstrations, had drawn international attention.

They also welcomed the appointment of Lazarus Chakwera, former President of Malawi, as Special Envoy.

“The Secretary-General’s swift action demonstrates the Commonwealth’s commitment to supporting dialogue, accountability, and peaceful resolution of political tensions,” CMAG added.

CMAG further announced that Tanzania will be placed on its Formal Agenda for its next meeting in March 2026.

It listed conditions for engagement, including allowing the Special Envoy access to all groups, lifting curbs on freedom of assembly and expression, holding a consultative forum on upcoming elections, and putting in place open processes to hold those involved in violence accountable.

The statement also noted, “The Tanzanian government is urged to provide the Secretary-General with the terms of reference for the Commission of Inquiry and report on progress at the next CMAG meeting.”

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• Commission of Inquiry
• protest ban
• Tanzania pushes back on foreign criticism
• cites Commission of Inquiry on election violence

The group encouraged Tanzania to seek Commonwealth technical support in strengthening governance and institutional checks.

In its statement, the Tanzanian government said it was especially concerned about the tone and content of some international comments made despite a candid engagement between the Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation and members of the Diplomatic Corps during a meeting held on November 28, 2025.

The Ministry noted that it recognises the role of the international community in supporting democracy and political development, but said partners should also consider steps already taken by the government.

It highlighted the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the post-election violence.

The government said the Commission’s report is expected to give clarity on what happened during the October 29 events and guide future engagement between Tanzania and its partners.

“Tanzania remains committed to constructive international cooperation for peace and development,” the release said, calling on all stakeholders to allow national processes to continue as planned.

The government added that it remains open to ongoing discussions on issues of shared interest, saying such engagement should be grounded in mutual respect and equality.

Meanwhile, authorities have warned that planned protests on December 9 will not be allowed, drawing further attention from international groups as they continue to follow Tanzania’s handling of democratic rights and freedoms.