The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) has issued a stern warning to Tanzania, outlining specific conditions that the government of President Samia Suluhu Hassan must meet to address serious concerns over human rights, civil liberties, and post-election violence.
In a statement released on Friday, December 5, 2025, CMAG highlighted reported violations of fundamental Commonwealth values, including restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly, threats to judicial independence, and lapses in good governance. The group stressed that protecting democratic institutions is essential for the nation’s peace, security, and sustainable development.
“The Group reaffirmed its commitment to the fundamental values and principles of the Commonwealth as enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter. Protecting these values is essential for the well-being of citizens and the stability of the country,” the statement read.
CMAG expressed alarm at the deterioration of civil liberties both before and after Tanzania’s October 29 general elections, during which reports of mass arrests, violent crackdowns, and restrictions on media and internet access emerged.
During its seventy-first virtual meeting, chaired by Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ian Borg, CMAG reviewed a report from Tanzania’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo. The group welcomed the appointment of former Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera as Special Envoy to Tanzania and placed the country on its Formal Agenda for the next meeting in March 2026.
Key Conditions Set by CMAG:
- The Special Envoy must be granted full and unrestricted access to all relevant stakeholders.
- Restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly, civil society, and media must be lifted.
- Tanzania must hold an inter-party consultative forum to establish a framework for the next election.
- Transparent processes must be implemented to hold those responsible for violence accountable and ensure compensation for victims.
- The Tanzanian government must submit the terms of reference for its Commission of Inquiry.
CMAG emphasized that the Secretary-General will report on Tanzania’s progress at the next meeting and encouraged the government to utilize technical support from the Commonwealth to strengthen the rule of law, constitutionalism, and good governance.
The conditions come amid mounting international concern over unrest in Tanzania. Human rights organisations have documented cases of unlawful detentions and killings following the elections, and authorities have warned that planned protests on December 9, 2025, would be banned, heightening fears of further clashes between demonstrators and security forces.
The Commonwealth’s move signals increased scrutiny on Tanzania, with the message clear: the government must take immediate and meaningful steps to restore democratic freedoms and protect citizens’ rights.
