Dar es Salaam. The Tanzanian government has responded to a resolution by the European Parliament calling for the release of opposition figure Tundu Lissu, emphasizing the country’s commitment to the rule of law and judicial independence.
In a statement issued on May 09, 2025, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Tanzania criticized the EU Parliament’s resolution, describing it as based on “incomplete or partisan information” and as an inappropriate interference in the country’s internal affairs.
“Tanzania is a sovereign country with its constitution and is governed by the rule of law,” the statement read. “All legal matters are handled independently by the Judiciary as one of the pillars of the state, in line with national laws and in accordance with international standards and best practices, where the Executive arm of the Government does not interfere with judicial proceedings.”
“Therefore, statements that imply or encourage executive intervention in ongoing court cases are not only inappropriate, but also contrary to the very principle of judicial independence as stipulated in Tanzania’s Constitution and as advocated by the European Union.”
READ: EU Parliament Debates the Arrest of Tanzanian Opposition Leader Tundu Lissu
The government reiterated that it values its partnership with the European Union but expressed concern over what it called a trend of international actors forming judgments without consulting diplomatic channels.
The European Parliament’s resolution, passed on May 8, 2025, called on the Tanzanian authorities to unconditionally release Tundu Lissu, citing politically motivated charges.
“The European Parliament Condemns the arrest of Lissu and expresses grave concern over the charges against him, which appear to be politically motivated and carry the risk of capital punishment,” the resolution reads.
“The European Parliament calls on the Tanzanian Government to immediately and unconditionally release him, ensuring his safety and his right to a fair trial and legal representation on the Tanzanian Government to immediately and unconditionally release him, ensuring his safety and his right to a fair trial and legal representation.”
The European Union remains one of Tanzania’s largest export markets and also a source of government financing through grants and loans. Tanzania and the European Union have enjoyed a solid relationship for years, through member states and collectively as the union.
In its statement, Tanzania maintained that it welcomes the continued support of the European Union and all international partners who engage in good faith with a clear, balanced understanding of the country’s democratic journey and are willing to engage those who are still not familiar with Tanzania’s cultural values.
One Response
A critique of Tanzania government response to EU parliament resolution.
The Tanzanian government’s response to the European Parliament’s May 2025 resolution—calling for the release of opposition leader Tundu Lissu and expressing concern over democratic backsliding—raises several critical issues. While the government emphasizes judicial independence and national sovereignty, its stance appears to sidestep substantive concerns about political repression and human rights violations.
1. Judicial Independence vs. Political Reality
The Tanzanian government asserts that it operates under the rule of law, with an independent judiciary free from executive interference. However, this claim is undermined by documented instances of political arrests and judicial overreach. For example, in August 2024, Tundu Lissu and over 100 Chadema party members were arrested during a youth meeting, despite the event being a peaceful assembly. Reports indicate that detainees were held without access to legal counsel, and some were taken to undisclosed locations . These actions suggest a judiciary that may be influenced by political considerations, contradicting the government’s claims of impartiality.([Amnesty International][1])
2. Sovereignty and International Obligations
While Tanzania emphasizes its sovereignty in rejecting the EU’s resolution, it is important to note that sovereignty does not absolve a nation from adhering to international human rights standards. Tanzania is a signatory to various international treaties that mandate the protection of civil liberties, including freedom of expression and assembly. The government’s dismissal of international concerns as interference overlooks its obligations under these treaties and the legitimate role of international bodies in holding signatories accountable.
3. Pattern of Political Repression
The government’s response fails to address a broader pattern of political repression. Human rights organizations have documented a series of arrests targeting opposition figures, journalists, and activists. For instance, in 2023, authorities arrested critics of a government port agreement, and security forces have been implicated in the killing and injury of opposition supporters during the 2021 elections in Zanzibar . These incidents point to systemic issues that the government’s response does not acknowledge.([Amnesty International][1], [The Africa Report][2], [Human Rights Watch][3])
4. Erosion of Democratic Gains
Under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, initial steps were taken to reverse some of the authoritarian policies of her predecessor, such as lifting bans on opposition rallies. However, recent actions—including the arrest of opposition leaders and suppression of dissent—indicate a regression. Tundu Lissu himself has expressed disappointment, stating that promised reforms have not materialized and that the political climate remains repressive .([BBC][4])
5. Diplomatic Relations and Constructive Engagement
The government’s assertion that international actors are forming judgments without consulting diplomatic channels is contradicted by ongoing partnerships. For example, the European Union has provided significant grants to strengthen civil society in Tanzania, focusing on good governance and media freedom . This indicates a willingness on the part of international partners to engage constructively, which the government should reciprocate by addressing legitimate concerns rather than dismissing them.([EEAS][5])
Conclusion
The Tanzanian government’s response to the EU Parliament’s resolution appears to prioritize national sovereignty over addressing substantive concerns about democratic practices and human rights. By failing to engage with the documented instances of political repression and judicial overreach, the government risks further international isolation and domestic unrest. A more constructive approach would involve transparent investigations into alleged abuses, engagement with international partners, and genuine reforms to uphold democratic principles.([Human Rights Watch][3])
[1]: https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/08/tanzania-end-mass-arrests-and-arbitrary-detentions-of-political-opposition/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Tanzania: End mass arrests and arbitrary detentions of political opposition – Amnesty International”
[2]: https://www.theafricareport.com/358162/tanzania-arrests-top-opposition-figure-lissu-in-mass-round-up/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Tanzania arrests top opposition figure Lissu in mass round-up – The Africa Report.com”
[3]: https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/08/13/tanzanian-arrests-bad-omen-upcoming-elections?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Tanzanian Arrests Bad Omen for Upcoming Elections | Human Rights Watch”
[4]: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj4d52z505po?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Tanzania under Samia Suluhu Hassan: Tundu Lissu feels betrayed by lack of reform – BBC News”
[5]: https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/tanzania/eu-awards-tzs-178-billion-grants-strengthen-civil-society-tanzania_en?utm_source=chatgpt.com “EU Awards TZS 17.8 Billion in Grants to Strengthen Civil Society in Tanzania | EEAS”