Tanzania hits back at foreign powers following criticism after post-poll chaos
By Kiprono Keileb, December 6, 2025Tanzania’s government has issued a firm response to a series of statements from foreign governments and international organisations questioning events surrounding the October 29, 2025, post-election violence, telling them to respect the country’s internal processes and allow an ongoing inquiry to run its course.
In a detailed notice released by the Government Communications Unit on Saturday, December 6, 2025, Tanzania said it had taken note of remarks issued over the past week by more than a dozen development partners, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Germany, France, Belgium, Canada and the UN Human Rights Council, among others.
The statement said the country was particularly concerned that the comments continued even after a meeting between the Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation and members of the diplomatic corps on November 28, where Tanzania says it offered candid engagement on the matter.
“The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania has received and taken note of statements and public remarks issued at different times over the past week by development partners and governments regarding Tanzania and the events of 29 October 2025,” the statement reads
The government of Tanzania also said it has noted the statements from foreign partners with concern.
“Tanzania has noted with concern, particularly with the contents of these statements, despite a candid engagement between the Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation and members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to Tanzania, held on 28 November 2025,” the statement reads.
According to the government, international criticism is premature and fails to acknowledge the mechanism already in place to investigate the violence. Tanzania emphasised that a formal Commission of Inquiry has been established and should be given time to conduct its work and publish findings that will “bring about understanding of the unfortunate events that occurred.”
“It is equally important to recognise the establishment of the Commission of Inquiry that will investigate the post-election violence and produce the report. The findings of the report will bring about understanding of the unfortunate events that occurred and form the basis for future constructive engagement,” the statement reads
Tanzania urged foreign partners to allow domestic processes to function, saying the country remains committed to peace, stability and constructive international cooperation.
“The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania wishes to reassure the international community and development partners of its readiness and commitment to continue engagement on all matters of mutual interest, as equal partners,” the statement reads
The government also appealed for patience as national mechanisms address the fallout of the unrest, signalling that external pressure will not influence the inquiry’s work.