December 05, 2025
LONDON/VALETTA – The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) has officially placed the United Republic of Tanzania on its formal agenda, citing "deep concern" over breaches of fundamental values, including human rights, freedom of expression, and the rule of law, surrounding the country's recent elections.
The decision was reached during the Group’s 71st meeting, held virtually on December 5, 2025. Chaired by Dr. Ian Borg, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Malta, the extraordinary session included ministers and representatives from eight other member nations, including Canada, Malaysia, and Zambia.
While the Group received a report from Tanzania’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, the Ministers remained firm in their support for immediate corrective action.
The Group also requested that the Tanzanian government provide the Terms of Reference for its own Commission of Inquiry to the Secretariat.
The meeting was attended by representatives from Antigua and Barbuda, Botswana, Canada, Grenada, Malaysia, Mauritius, Samoa, and Zambia, who unanimously reaffirmed that resilient democratic institutions are pivotal for the security and prosperity of the Commonwealth family.
LONDON/VALETTA – The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) has officially placed the United Republic of Tanzania on its formal agenda, citing "deep concern" over breaches of fundamental values, including human rights, freedom of expression, and the rule of law, surrounding the country's recent elections.
The decision was reached during the Group’s 71st meeting, held virtually on December 5, 2025. Chaired by Dr. Ian Borg, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Malta, the extraordinary session included ministers and representatives from eight other member nations, including Canada, Malaysia, and Zambia.
"Deteriorating Situation"
In a concluding statement released after the meeting, Ministers expressed collective alarm regarding the "deteriorating situation pre- and post-elections" in Tanzania. The Group highlighted reports of violence and restrictions on democratic space as key drivers for the decision.While the Group received a report from Tanzania’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, the Ministers remained firm in their support for immediate corrective action.
Conditions for Progress
The Group has outlined a strict roadmap for Tanzania ahead of the next CMAG meeting, scheduled for March 7, 2026, in London. The decision to keep Tanzania on the formal agenda will be reviewed based on the fulfillment of four specific conditions:- Special Envoy Access: The Government must grant "full and free access" to the newly appointed Special Envoy, HE Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, former President of Malawi.
- Lifting Restrictions: An immediate lifting of restrictions on freedom of assembly, expression, civil society, and the media.
- Election Framework: The convening of an inter-party consultative forum to agree on a collective framework for future elections.
- Accountability: The implementation of transparent legal processes to hold perpetrators of election-related violence accountable and to compensate victims.
Diplomatic Engagement
The Ministers commended the Commonwealth Secretary-General for her prompt appointment of Dr. Chakwera as Special Envoy. They urged the Tanzanian government to utilize Commonwealth technical support to restore democratic stability.The Group also requested that the Tanzanian government provide the Terms of Reference for its own Commission of Inquiry to the Secretariat.
Next Steps
The situation in Tanzania will be the primary focus when CMAG reconvenes in March 2026 during Commonwealth Week in London. The Secretary-General has been tasked with providing a full report on Tanzania's compliance with the Group's conditions at that time.The meeting was attended by representatives from Antigua and Barbuda, Botswana, Canada, Grenada, Malaysia, Mauritius, Samoa, and Zambia, who unanimously reaffirmed that resilient democratic institutions are pivotal for the security and prosperity of the Commonwealth family.
