Tanzania has launched another round of diplomatic outreach as it works to prevent the suspension of €156 million (about Sh23.3 billion) in European Union support, days after the European Parliament recommended an immediate halt to the funds.
The Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Ministry has now instructed the country’s representative in Brussels to engage EU officials and explain the government’s response to the post-election tensions.
The directive was shared as Foreign Affairs Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo met envoys stationed in Tanzania on Friday. During the briefing in Dar es Salaam, the minister walked diplomats through the events that unfolded during the October 29 election and the clashes that erupted soon after.
He said the government had acted to stabilise the situation, secure communities and ensure that public services and daily economic activities continued.
Mahmoud, as reported by The Citizen, emphasised that Tanzania values open relations with its partners and remains ready to exchange information as the process moves forward. He noted that the government had already explained the security steps taken after the unrest and the measures aimed at calming tensions in affected areas.
At the centre of the briefing was the Commission of Inquiry formed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Mahmoud said the team has been tasked with collecting facts on the election unrest, identifying the causes and setting out recommendations for reforms that will make national systems stronger and more responsive.
Turning to the European Parliament resolution, the minister said Tanzania had taken note of the concerns raised. He confirmed that the ambassador in Brussels had been assigned to continue diplomatic talks with EU institutions and other partners.
He said the purpose of the outreach is to defend Tanzania’s interests, protect the many citizens who depend on EU-backed programmes and keep cooperation channels open.
The government’s move comes after a decisive vote in the European Parliament on Thursday, where the resolution was passed with 539 lawmakers in support, none opposed and 27 abstaining. The text calls for the freezing of EU assistance to Tanzania, citing unrest linked to the election and claims of violations during the same period.
Lawmakers said they were concerned about what they described as a worsening human rights situation after the polls. They condemned accounts pointing to deaths following the election and said opposition leaders, activists, journalists and civil society groups were facing pressure in the current climate.
The continued detention of opposition leader Tundu Lissu was also highlighted by members as an example of the shrinking space for political engagement. According to the resolution, the EU cannot carry on funding programmes in Tanzania without addressing what it called gaps in rights and governance.
During the debate, member of the European Parliament David McAllister urged strong action, saying, “Colleagues, if we stand for democracy, let us use the tools at our disposal. All EU funds must be stopped immediately. All political prisoners must be released immediately.”
