Joseph Isangura
Tanzania’s diplomacy has “passed its toughest test since independence,” according to the country’s Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Minister, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, who spoke on January 15, 2026, at a gathering of foreign envoys and senior diplomats.
Addressing the annual Diplomatic Sherry Party at State House, Chamwino, in the presence of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Ambassador Kombo acknowledged that international reactions to the October 29, 2025 general election initially cast Tanzania in a challenging light. The election prompted widespread criticism from foreign governments, international bodies, and rights groups because of reports of unrest, restrictions on civic freedoms, and deadly clashes between security forces and protesters.
“The world reached out,” Ambassador Kombo said. “Many voices expressed solidarity and support, but others asked hard questions about what had happened in a country long seen as a beacon of peace in East Africa.”
Diplomats from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas who attended the event heard how Tanzania’s Foreign Ministry worked tirelessly in global capitals to clarify the sequence of events surrounding the election and its aftermath. Kombo described these efforts as rooted in transparency, evidence, and dialogue — steps that helped reshape international understanding.
He also highlighted the role of an inquiry commission, recently established by President Samia, to investigate the post-election situation. The government has said the commission is designed to support national healing and reconciliation after days of protests and heavy security responses that shook confidence at home and abroad. Past reporting also shows the United Nations called for thorough and impartial investigation into election-related incidents, underlining the importance of accountability and engagement.
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Ambassador Kombo said the president’s approach — centered on what he described as Reconciliation, Resilience, Reform and Rebuilding — is critical to restoring confidence among international partners and affirming Tanzania’s commitment to peace and cooperation. He stressed that voices of concern, including opposition views, were heard and addressed as part of a broader reform and diplomatic engagement process.
President Samia, in her remarks to diplomats, reiterated Tanzania’s confidence in multilateral cooperation and peaceful resolution of global challenges, noting that the world faces overlapping crises in security, economics, and climate change. Her message underscored that Tanzania remains steadfast in pursuing diplomatic engagement and strengthening international partnerships.
International observers and rights groups have documented that the disputed October election was followed by protests and a government crackdown that drew global scrutiny due to reports of violence, communication blackouts, and detentions.
Despite these concerns, Tanzania has continued to host bilateral engagements, including recent talks with international partners aimed at deepening cooperation on trade, investment, and regional development. Officials say these engagements signal Tanzania’s readiness to move forward with diplomacy that respects shared interests while addressing questions raised in the aftermath of the election period.
