Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has met Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Secretary-General Anda Cristina Filip in Dodoma ahead of the 153rd IPU Assembly. The meeting took place at Chamwino State House in Dodoma on Friday, October 2, 2026. According to a statement issued by the President's Office, the meeting focused on cooperation between Tanzania and the IPU ahead of the organisation's 153rd Assembly. The assembly will take place at the Arusha International Conference Centre from October 5 to 9.
The meeting between President Samia and Filip comes as preparations for the international parliamentary gathering enter their final stage. Arusha Regional Commissioner Amos Makalla said on October 1 that preparations had been completed, with security among the authorities' priorities for the event. Filip had earlier said the IPU was satisfied with the preparations for the assembly after meeting Makalla in Arusha. She also mentioned that more than 2,000 participants were expected to attend, including speakers from parliaments around the world.
The 153rd IPU Assembly will provide a platform for parliamentarians to discuss issues affecting international parliamentary cooperation and governance. The official host programme lists the theme of the 153rd Assembly as "Enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust and opportunities for all." This event marks a significant milestone for Tanzania, as it will host the IPU Assembly for the first time. The gathering is expected to bring together parliamentary delegations from the union's 183 member parliaments.
The upcoming gathering will also mark the end of the current three-year term of IPU President Tulia Ackson, the Tanzanian parliamentarian who has led the organisation since 2023. A new IPU president is expected to be elected during the assembly. Ackson has highlighted greater participation of women and young people in parliamentary decision-making, institutional reforms and stronger parliamentary diplomacy among the priorities and developments during her presidency.
President Samia's meeting with Filip and the upcoming IPU Assembly demonstrate Tanzania's growing role in international diplomacy and cooperation. The event is expected to run from October 5 through October 9 and will feature parliamentary leaders and delegates from across the world. The assembly will provide opportunities for Tanzania to engage with global parliamentary leaders and showcase its capabilities as a host country.
The IPU Assembly will take place at the Arusha International Conference Centre, a venue that has been prepared to accommodate the large number of participants. The event will feature discussions on various issues affecting international parliamentary cooperation and governance. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage with each other and share best practices in parliamentary diplomacy.
The arrival of senior IPU officials in Tanzania ahead of the assembly comes as the country prepares to welcome parliamentary leaders and delegates from across the world to Arusha. With the final preparations completed, Tanzania is set to host a successful and productive IPU Assembly. The event is expected to have a positive impact on Tanzania's international reputation and its role in global parliamentary cooperation.
Key points
- Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan meets IPU Secretary-General Anda Cristina Filip ahead of the 153rd IPU Assembly.
- The 153rd IPU Assembly will take place in Arusha from October 5 to 9 and feature over 2,000 participants.
- The assembly will mark the end of IPU President Tulia Ackson's term and the election of a new president.
