Commonwealth ministers flag human rights, democracy concerns in Tanzania
By Ascah Mwango, December 5, 2025The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) has raised alarm over the political and human rights situation in Tanzania.
In a press statement released on Friday, December 5, 2025, the Group said it was concerned about breaches to fundamental Commonwealth values, including respect for human rights, freedom of expression, democracy, 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 read.
“Resilient democratic institutions, respect for human rights, and the rule of law are pivotal for sustainable development, peace, and security,” CMAG added.
The seventy-first CMAG meeting was held virtually and chaired by Honourable 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 participated in the discussions.
The Group received a report from the Foreign Minister of Tanzania, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo (MP).
In response, CMAG expressed “collective concern over the reported deterioration of democratic space and civil liberties, both before and after the October 29, 2025, elections.”
Special envoy
Ministers commended the Secretary-General’s prompt assessment and the appointment of Lazarus Chakwera, former President of Malawi, as Special Envoy to Tanzania.
“The Secretary-General’s swift action demonstrates the Commonwealth’s commitment to supporting dialogue, accountability, and peaceful resolution of political tensions,” the statement said.
CMAG decided that Tanzania will be placed on its Formal Agenda for the next meeting in March 2026, with the final decision subject to several conditions.
These include full access for the Special Envoy to all stakeholders, lifting restrictions on freedom of assembly and expression, holding an inter-party consultative forum on future elections, and implementing transparent processes to hold perpetrators of violence accountable.
“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,” the Group added.
Ministers also encouraged the government to use available technical support from the Commonwealth to strengthen constitutionalism, good governance, and separation of powers.
Tanzania has faced growing international scrutiny over post-election unrest, with reports of arrests of opposition figures, restrictions on media operations, and violent suppression of protests.
Authorities have warned that planned protests on December 9, 2025, would be banned, prompting fears of confrontations with security forces.