The Commonwealth Special Envoy, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, has concluded his visit to Tanzania. In a statement released on April 17, 2026, the Commonwealth reported that the visit involved meetings with a broad range of stakeholders in Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and Zanzibar.
The visit stemmed from the 71st Meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group, which placed Tanzania on the Commonwealth monitoring mechanism.
“The Special Envoy was tasked with engaging with all stakeholders to support the strengthening of the values and principles of the Commonwealth, including freedom of assembly, expression, and the media; with determining possible modalities for an inter-party consultative forum on electoral reform,” the Commonwealth statement reads.
“And with exploring transparent and inclusive pathways to national dialogue and accountability after the protests, violence, and events surrounding the 29 October 2025 General Elections,” the statement continues.
According to the Commonwealth statement, the envoy met a wide range of stakeholders, including President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Zanzibar President Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, and former First Vice President of Zanzibar Othman Masoud Othman.
He also met the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Chief Justice, the Chairperson of the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Chairperson of the Zanzibar Electoral Commission, the Registrar of Political Parties, and the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the October 2025 events.
Additionally, the Special Envoy held discussions with leaders of all 19 political parties in Tanzania, including the detained chairperson of opposition party CHADEMA, Mr. Tundu Lissu, as well as former heads of government, members of Parliament, members of the diplomatic corps and the international community, civil society organisations, human rights groups, religious leaders, and representatives of media, youth, and women’s groups.
Some stakeholders who attended meetings with the envoy during the visit described them as receptive, noting that the envoy listened attentively to their concerns and perspectives.
“What we have learned is that this is a real opportunity, and we see it as such. For those of us who believe and think that, in our current situation, there is no way for us to evaluate ourselves independently, we should use this opportunity to offer cooperation so that at least we ensure we have been part of that process. This is because there is at least an indication that participation in the process is being welcomed,” argued Rosemary Mwakitwange, a member of Tanzanian civil society, during a press briefing on April 17, 2026.
Next steps
The envoy concluded the visit as it is expected that the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the October 2025 events will table its report this week, following the extension of its deadline for a second time to April 24, 2026.
In a statement, the Special Envoy, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, also recognized the pivotal role the report will play.
“While I look forward to the outcome of the Independent Commission of Inquiry in the coming days, I also join Tanzanians in their belief that the work of building lasting peace and prosperity will require a foundation of good will, mutual respect, and a commitment to truth and accountability, to open and constructive dialogue, to justice and reconciliation, and to transparent and inclusive democratic processes for undertaking reforms. This is a foundation that sometimes requires the support and accompaniment of good friends and neighbours, and I thank Tanzania for welcoming our offer of support,” Chakwera said.
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While the findings of the commission’s report are expected to set the stage for the government’s next steps, members of civil society groups, including Rosemary Mwakitwange, Bubelwa E. Kaiza, Deus Kibamba, and Azaveli Feza Lwaitama, who spoke to the press on April 17, 2026, regarding their presentation to the Commonwealth envoy, outlined what they believe should be the next steps toward national healing.
These include independent forensic investigations to determine the whereabouts and the exact number of people who went missing before, on, and after October 29, including investigations in areas suspected of containing mass graves. The group also called for broader steps, including reviving the stalled constitutional process and establishing a mediation mechanism.”The process of constitutional reform is urgently needed. This process should be citizen-centered, participatory, and inclusive in order to avoid once again being captured by the political class,” said Deus Kibamba.
He continued: “Comprehensive reform to the political and electoral system is highly necessary. At present, elections do not reflect the will of the voters of Tanzania. Electoral reforms that have been implemented in bad faith or superficially have distorted the true purpose of having elections.”
The group warned that if no meaningful reforms are undertaken, the country risks facing further crises.
“I also emphasized that resolving the current political deadlock in Tanzania may require the involvement of a credible external mediator, such as Dr. Naledi Pandor under the SADC umbrella, to facilitate a constructive and trustworthy dialogue process,” Dr. Azaveli Lwaitama told members of the press regarding the group’s engagement with the envoy.
Regarding the next steps after the envoy visit, The Commonwealth statement further noted that the report will be submitted to the Secretary-General and will inform her report to the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group.
One Response
The chanzo is placing itself high on this undertaking.We need such reports on current issues happening in our country.We are tired of reading cosmetic sort of reports.