The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) has raised serious concerns over the state of democracy and human rights in Tanzania.
In a statement released on Friday, December 5, 2025, the group expressed alarm at violations of core Commonwealth principles, including respect for human rights, freedom of expression, democratic governance, the rule of law, and transparency.
“The Group reaffirmed its commitment to the fundamental values and principles of the Commonwealth as enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter,” the statement said. CMAG emphasized that strong democratic institutions, protection of human rights, and adherence to the rule of law are crucial for peace, security, and sustainable development.
The seventy-first CMAG meeting was held virtually under the chairmanship of 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 took part. The group received a report from Tanzania’s Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo.
Following the briefing, CMAG expressed “collective concern over the reported deterioration of democratic space and civil liberties, both before and after the October 29, 2025, elections.”
Ministers welcomed the swift action of the Commonwealth Secretary-General in sending Lazarus Chakwera, former President of Malawi, as a 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 to place Tanzania on its Formal Agenda for the next meeting in March 2026, with conditions that must be met.
These include granting full access for the Special Envoy to all stakeholders, lifting restrictions on freedom of assembly and expression, holding an inter-party forum on upcoming elections, and ensuring transparent accountability for those responsible for violence.
“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 statement added. Ministers also recommended that Tanzania use Commonwealth technical support to reinforce constitutionalism, good governance, and separation of powers.
The country has faced growing international attention following post-election unrest, including arrests of opposition leaders, restrictions on media activity, and forceful suppression of protests. Authorities have also warned that planned demonstrations on December 9, 2025, will not be allowed, raising fears of possible clashes with security forces.
