In a statement dated December 5, Tanzania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had taken note of the remarks made by more than ten diplomatic missions, among them Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Union Delegation, the UN Human Rights Council, Ghana, and the Thabo Mbeki Foundation.
According to the ministry, the government found some of the comments in the international statement inconsistent with discussions held on November 28 during a meeting between Tanzania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and representatives from accredited embassies.
Officials said the government values dialogue with global partners but expects that any engagement must be carried out under mutual respect and equal partnership.
“The government believes that cooperation with friendly nations should acknowledge ongoing internal efforts that address the recent events,” the ministry explained.
The Statement highlighted that President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration has already established a Commission of Inquiry tasked with investigating all incidents that took place after the elections.
The ministry noted that the commission has been mandated to collect facts, listen to affected families, and prepare a detailed report.
“The results will not only bring clarity to the unfortunate events but also help guide future collaboration between Tanzania and the international community,” the statement read.
According to the government, this process reflects its commitment to transparency, accountability, peace, and national unity.
Tanzania further appealed to diplomatic missions and development partners to allow internal systems to function without pressure.
The ministry said such mechanisms were created within the country’s legal structures, and international actors should support rather than interfere with them.
“The government reassures all partners that Tanzania remains open to constructive cooperation,” the statement added.
The response from Tanzania came one day after foreign missions issued a strong joint statement expressing concern over reported deaths, disappearances, and arrests during and soon after the elections.
The statement from embassies called for:
Transparency in investigations
Release of bodies to families
Freedom for political detainees
Respect for human rights
Medical and legal assistance for affected families
Diplomats also cited reports from local and international human rights organizations, claiming that several people suffered serious violations, including extrajudicial killings and concealment of bodies.
They urged Tanzania to implement recommendations from African Union and SADC observer teams, which noted gaps in the electoral process.
While responding to these concerns, Tanzania emphasized that it remains committed to maintaining peace and stability.
The government also reassured the country’s partners that it stands ready to continue discussions, but only under frameworks that respect national institutions and the sovereignty of the country.
According to senior government sources, relevant agencies are still gathering information, and official findings will be made public once the inquiry committee completes its assignment.
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