Commonwealth Sets Strict Democracy and Human Rights Conditions for Tanzania Ahead of March 2026 Review

The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) has set strict conditions for Tanzania. The move comes amid growing concerns over human rights and democracy. The decision was made during the seventy-first CMAG meeting on December 5, 2025. Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Ian Borg chaired the session.

CMAG highlighted threats to democracy, judicial independence, and civil liberties. The concerns focus on the recent elections won by President Samia Suluhu with 98 percent of the vote. Tanzania’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, presented a report. CMAG also praised the Secretary-General for appointing former Malawian President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera as Special Envoy to support the country.

Tanzania will stay on CMAG’s agenda for March 2026. The country must meet four key requirements. Chakwera must have full access to all stakeholders. The government must lift restrictions on assembly, expression, civil society and the media. An inter-party forum must be organized to set election frameworks. Perpetrators of election violence must be held accountable and victims compensated.

CMAG requested terms of reference for Tanzania’s Commission of Inquiry. The Secretary-General will report progress at the next meeting. The group also encouraged Tanzania to use Commonwealth technical support. This aims to strengthen democratic stability, governance, and constitutionalism.

The next CMAG session is scheduled for March 7, 2026, during Commonwealth Week in London. President Suluhu recently blamed foreign actors for unrest during election day. The US is reportedly reassessing relations after security forces violently suppressed protesters.

The CMAG conditions put Tanzania under international scrutiny. The country must act to protect democracy, human rights and ensure accountability before March 2026.