Tanzania Responds to Global Criticism over Post-Election Violence, Highlights Ongoing National Inquiry

The Government of Tanzania has officially responded to mounting international criticism over the violence that followed the 29^th October, 2025 general elections, urging foreign governments and institutions to allow national accountability mechanisms to run their course.

In a statement released Friday, 5^th December, 2025, by the Government Communication Centre, the Tanzanian government acknowledged receiving statements from several international actors including the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the UN Human Rights Council expressing concern over the post-election unrest.

According to the government, these remarks were made ‘despite a candid engagement’ between Foreign Affairs Minister and members of the diplomatic corps on 28^th November, an engagement Tanzania believes demonstrated its commitment to transparency amid rising tensions.

The statement emphasized that it recognizes the role of the international community in promoting democracy but stressed the importance of the newly established national Commission of Inquiry tasked with investigating the post-election violence.

“It is important to note the establishment of the Commission of Inquiry to look into the violence that occurred after the elections and to present the report,” the statement stated.

“The inquiry’s findings would provide a foundation for understanding the events and guiding constructive engagement moving forward,” it added.

The government urged international stakeholders to await the Commission’s final report, emphasizing that premature judgment could undermine local mechanisms designed to ensure accountability.

Tanzania’s response comes as diplomatic pressure mounts, following the United States’ announcement of a review of bilateral relations with Tanzania over concerns about democratic backsliding in the country.”

Additionally, the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) has placed Tanzania on its agenda, listing several reforms the country is expected to undertake.

By placing the national commission inquiry at the core of its response, Tanzania reaffirmed its commitment to managing post-election accountability through domestic institutions, calling on international partners to respect its sovereignty and await the commission’s findings.