Tanzania has moved into full diplomatic gear after the European Parliament voted to freeze €156 million (KSh23.3 billion) in development aid over concerns tied to unrest during the October 29 general election. The decision has ignited anxiety across the country, prompting a swift and assertive response from President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration.
Foreign Affairs Minister Mahmoud Kombo on Friday urged the European Parliament to reconsider its stance, insisting that Tanzania’s position is being distorted by what he called “misleading narratives” surrounding the election period. Kombo emphasized that the EU should engage with Tanzania directly before making decisions with far-reaching consequences.
His remarks followed a heated EU Parliament debate where MEP David McAllister pushed for immediate sanctions, declaring: “If we stand for democracy, let us use the tools at our disposal. All EU funds must be stopped immediately. All political prisoners must be released immediately.”
The resolution—passed Thursday—stems from accusations of human rights violations linked to the disputed polls. If upheld, it will block funding earmarked under the EU’s 2025 action plan, disrupting a wide scope of development programmes, some already underway.
In Dar es Salaam, Kombo convened a meeting with members of the diplomatic corps, assuring them that Tanzania is monitoring the situation closely. A press statement confirmed that the country’s ambassador in Brussels has been instructed to intensify consultations with EU institutions in a bid to reverse or soften the decision.
Tanzania argues that the freeze will not only hurt government programmes but also directly impact private sector investments, international organizations, and citizens who were set to benefit from infrastructure, health, and social development projects funded through the EU partnership.
Moreover, the government dismissed alarmist claims that the aid cut could push Tanzania toward political or economic instability. Officials insist the country’s systems remain robust but say the EU’s move threatens to derail shared development goals.
For now, Tanzania is banking on diplomacy—leveraging President Samia’s reputation for international engagement—to steer relations back on course. As the standoff continues, all eyes are on Brussels, where the next steps could determine the future of EU–Tanzania cooperation.
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