The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) has decided to keep Tanzania on its formal agenda, citing the need for further progress in strengthening political freedoms, due process, accountability, and compensation for those affected by political conflicts. This decision was made during CMAG's 74th meeting, held in New York on the margins of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. The group recognized progress in some areas but emphasized that important constitutional, human rights, and democratic issues still require further action.
CMAG specifically called for continued progress towards an inclusive and credible inter-party political process, protection of civic, political, and media freedoms, fair and transparent legal procedures in outstanding cases, and trusted mechanisms for accountability, redress, and appropriate compensation for those affected. This follows earlier action by CMAG, which placed Tanzania on its formal agenda in December 2025 and established time-bound expectations during its July 2026 meeting. In July, CMAG had called for steps addressing the detention of opposition leader Tundu Lissu and other people held for exercising their rights peacefully.
The latest position by CMAG comes amid continuing debate over Tanzania's political environment following the October 2025 general election and the subsequent disputes, arrests, and allegations surrounding the handling of political opposition and civil liberties. CMAG's latest statement does not make a finding that all allegations raised by political actors or civil society groups have been established. Instead, it identifies areas where the Commonwealth believes additional progress is required and keeps Tanzania under formal monitoring.
CMAG also encouraged the Tanzanian government to agree on an early date for a visit by Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey. The proposed visit would involve meetings with President Samia Suluhu Hassan and other political and national stakeholders. Tanzania's cooperation with the Commonwealth's Special Envoy, former Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera, and recent engagement with political parties and steps towards political reconciliation in Zanzibar provided a constructive basis for further progress.
The 74th CMAG meeting was chaired by Malta's Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, Chris Fearne, with ministers and representatives from Antigua and Barbuda, Botswana, Canada, Grenada, Malaysia, Mauritius, Samoa, and Zambia also participating. CMAG reaffirmed its commitment to the political values contained in the Commonwealth Charter and to the Secretary-General's Good Offices as a mechanism for supporting those principles while respecting the sovereignty of member states.
The group observed a minute of silence at the beginning of its meeting in honour of Hafidh Ameir Hassan, the husband of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who died on September 7, 2026. For Tanzania, the immediate significance of the decision is that its engagement with the Commonwealth's political oversight mechanism will continue. CMAG's next regular meeting is expected to take place in November 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda, alongside the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
The Commonwealth scrutiny comes as Tanzania continues to navigate its political landscape after the 2025 general election. The country's progress in addressing concerns over rights, justice, and accountability will be closely watched by the international community. The Commonwealth's engagement with Tanzania aims to support the country's efforts to strengthen its democratic institutions and promote human rights.
Key points
- Tanzania will remain on the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group's (CMAG) formal agenda due to concerns over rights, justice, and accountability.
- CMAG has called for continued progress towards an inclusive and credible inter-party political process and protection of civic, political, and media freedoms in Tanzania.
- The Tanzanian government has been encouraged to agree on an early date for a visit by Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey to discuss progress on addressing concerns over rights and accountability.
