The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) has placed Tanzania under heightened scrutiny following reports of democratic injustice and human rights violations surrounding its recent electoral process.
The decision was announced during CMAG’s 71st meeting, held virtually under the chairmanship of Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, Ian Borg.
Members reaffirmed that resilient democratic institutions and governance structures, and respect for the rule of law and human rights, are essential for sustainable and inclusive economic development, security, and for fostering peace.
Concerns Over Tanzania’s Political Climate
The primary focus of the meeting was a report presented by Tanzania’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, detailing the post-election environment in the Swahili-speaking nation.
CMAG expressed deep concern over alleged breaches of Commonwealth principles, citing restrictions on civil liberties, media freedom, and political space.
“Ministers expressed deep concern about the growing threats to democracy, the rule of law, judicial independence, human rights, and democratic space faced by many countries within our Commonwealth family,” read part of a statement by CMAG.
Ministers noted that the deteriorating situation before and after the polls posed a serious threat to democratic governance.
“The growing threats to democracy, judicial independence, and human rights within our Commonwealth family cannot be ignored.”
Special Envoy Appointed
In response, CMAG commended Secretary-General Patricia Scotland for swiftly deploying her Good Offices mechanism. Former Malawian President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has been appointed as Special Envoy to Tanzania, tasked with facilitating dialogue and restoring confidence in democratic processes.
The Group stressed that Chakwera must be granted full and free access to all stakeholders without delay.
Chakwera is tasked with bringing together political leaders, civil society groups, and government representatives to develop a unified reform plan ahead of Tanzania’s next elections.
Conditions for Review
Tanzania will feature on CMAG’s formal agenda during its next meeting in March 2026, where a decision on possible disciplinary measures will depend on progress in four critical areas:
- Unrestricted Access for the Special Envoy: Authorities must allow comprehensive engagement with all relevant parties.
- Restoration of Freedoms: Immediate lifting of curbs on assembly, expression, civil society, and media operations.
- Inclusive Dialogue: Convening an inter-party consultative forum to agree on a framework for future elections.
- Accountability Measures: Transparent legal and administrative processes to prosecute those who participate in the Tanzanian electoral violence and compensate victims.
Additionally, CMAG requested that Tanzania submit the terms of reference for its Commission of Inquiry into election-related violence.
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Call for Technical Support
CMAG urged Tanzania to leverage Commonwealth technical assistance to strengthen constitutionalism, separation of powers, and governance reforms.
“The Group also encouraged the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania to access all the available technical support from the Commonwealth to further peace, democratic stability, and good governance.”
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The Ministers asked the Secretary-General to remain engaged with the Government of Tanzania and to continue supporting its work to strengthen policies that deepen the rule of law, the separation of powers, constitutionalism, and good governance, as enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter.
CMAG members agreed that the next CMAG meeting will be held on March 7, 2026, in the margins of the Commonwealth Week in London.
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