The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) has called on Tanzania to accelerate reforms to strengthen political dialogue, civic and media freedoms, fair procedures, and accountability. This decision was made during a special CMAG meeting held on September 20, 2026, on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA. The meeting assessed Tanzania's progress in implementing previous recommendations.
CMAG recognized that Tanzania has taken steps in several areas, including cooperation with the Commonwealth Secretary-General's special envoy, recent talks with political parties, and measures towards reconciliation in Zanzibar. However, the group emphasized that more work is needed to advance an inclusive and credible process among political parties. This includes stronger protection of civic, political, and media freedoms.
The group also called for credible accountability mechanisms, remedies for past harms, and appropriate compensation for those affected. CMAG had useful discussions with Tanzanian Ministers for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mr. Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, and Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, Prof. Palamagaba Kabudi. These discussions focused on political developments in the country.
CMAG referenced four conditions set at its 71st meeting in December 2025 and time-bound expectations set at the 73rd meeting in July 2026. Although acknowledging progress in some areas, CMAG stated that Tanzania needs to take further action to address outstanding issues. These areas include strengthening political party engagement, protecting civic and political space, ensuring media freedom, and improving the handling of pending cases.
The group urged the government of Tanzania to agree on an early date for a visit by Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey. This visit will enable the secretary-general to meet President Samia Suluhu Hassan and other stakeholders as part of ongoing communication on monitored issues and to continue monitoring progress on agreed measures in Tanzania.
The decision to keep Tanzania on CMAG's official agenda means the country will continue to be monitored by the group on the implementation of the outlined issues. CMAG's role is to assess violations or ongoing breaches of Commonwealth values and principles, including democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and good governance.
At the meeting, CMAG also discussed developments in Uganda, where it welcomed the resumption of Nation Media Group operations and urged further steps to strengthen civilian constitutional governance, protect civic and media space, and ensure fair procedures are followed. The next ordinary CMAG meeting will be held in November 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda.
Key points
- CMAG has recognized Tanzania's cooperation with the secretary-general's special envoy and recent talks with political parties as a good basis for continued progress.
- The group has urged Tanzania to strengthen political party engagement, protect civic and political space, ensure media freedom, and improve the handling of pending cases.
- Tanzania will continue to be monitored by CMAG on the implementation of outlined issues, including democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and good governance.
