Tanzania has denied entry to a delegation from the European Parliament that was seeking to investigate allegations of election-related violence and human rights abuses linked to the country’s 2025 general elections.
Authorities in Dar es Salaam said the planned visit was halted due to what officials described as ongoing internal review processes, despite an earlier national inquiry into the elections reportedly concluding in April 2026.
The European Parliament delegation had planned to hold meetings with civil society organizations, review governance and development projects, and assess concerns raised by international observers and rights groups following the polls.
However, Tanzanian authorities have not announced a new date for the mission, raising fresh questions about transparency and cooperation between Tanzania and its international partners.
The move is likely to attract diplomatic attention given the European Union’s longstanding engagement with Tanzania on governance, development assistance, trade, and democratic reforms.
Political observers say the decision reflects growing sensitivities among several African governments regarding foreign scrutiny of domestic political processes, particularly around elections and human rights issues.
The development also comes amid broader debates across Africa about sovereignty, external influence, and the role of international institutions in monitoring governance and electoral processes.
Tanzania’s 2025 elections drew criticism from opposition groups and some international observers, who alleged intimidation, restrictions on political activity, and excessive use of force during the electoral period. Government officials, however, have consistently defended the conduct of the polls and maintained that national institutions are capable of handling any internal concerns.
