Lyn Frans
Tanzania has sharply criticised what it describes as a growing wave of external political interference after the European Parliament scheduled a hearing on alleged post-election abuses without consulting the government.
The move has escalated diplomatic tensions, with local analysts noting that it mirrors a broader pattern of outside pressure highlighted in recent reports published by Media Wire Express.
In a diplomatic note dated 25 November 2025, the Embassy of Tanzania in Brussels expressed “deep concern” over the European Parliament’s plan to debate “post-election killings and the deteriorating human rights situation,” including matters related to opposition figure Tundu Lissu. The government stated that the decision was taken “without affording the Government an opportunity to present its side and clarify facts,” arguing that the action undermines principles of natural justice and the dialogue framework outlined in the Samoa Agreement governing EU–OACPS relations.
The note emphasised that Articles 2(3), 5 and 87(1) of the agreement stress dialogue, consultation and mutual respect as the basis for resolving disputes. Tanzania warned that proceeding on the basis of “unverified reports and one-sided narratives” risks damaging the credibility of a long-standing partnership with the European Union.
Government officials and commentators have increasingly warned of what they call a coordinated campaign by foreign governments, diplomats, NGOs and international media to influence domestic politics under the banner of democracy, human rights and good governance.
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Media Wire Express reports in recent weeks have cited external statements, diplomatic pressure and a surge of foreign journalists advancing narratives that Tanzanian officials argue misrepresent events on the ground.
Some government sources claim that recent unrest, including episodes of violence, was fuelled by groups receiving foreign funding. “There is a pattern emerging,” a senior official said anonymously. “When sovereign nations take decisions that do not align with the interests of powerful states, the tools of pressure begin—statements, sanctions, aid freezes, orchestrated media stories. We have seen this playbook repeatedly across Africa.”
Critics of Western engagement argue that advocacy is selective. While Tanzania faces parliamentary scrutiny in Europe, they point to limited response to mass civilian deaths in Sudan or ongoing bombardments in Gaza. “If a single standard applied worldwide, many governments would face constant hearings,” a regional political analyst said. “Silence in some crises and alarm in others reflects geopolitics—not consistent humanitarian concern.”
The Embassy’s letter further noted that Tanzania has already formed an independent National Commission of Enquiry to investigate recent incidents, and officials argue that external pressure risks undermining the work of domestic institutions before they conclude their findings.
Diplomatic sources in Brussels told Media Wire Express that Tanzania has requested the European Parliament to postpone the session to allow the government to present its position. If postponement is not possible, Tanzania has asked to address the hearing directly. As of Wednesday, 26 November 2025, the European Parliament had not issued a public response.
The dispute feeds into a wider African debate on sovereignty and foreign interference, with several leaders warning that powerful nations increasingly deploy human rights discourse, civil society networks and international institutions to shape political outcomes in developing states.
For Tanzania, the latest tensions reinforce long-standing concerns that international partners are too quick to issue judgments without dialogue. Whether the European Parliament adjusts its approach—or proceeds without engaging Dar es Salaam—may determine how sharply relations deteriorate in the months ahead.
