BRUSSELS/DAR ES SALAAM — November 25, 2025
A diplomatic row has erupted between the European Union and the United Republic of Tanzania on the eve of a critical European Parliament hearing. In a strongly worded Note Verbale obtained by this publication, the Tanzanian Embassy in Brussels has formally protested a scheduled motion debating "Post-election killings and the deteriorating human rights situation in Tanzania," specifically highlighting the imprisonment of opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
The hearing, set for tomorrow, November 26, 2025, comes less than a month after Tanzania's disputed general election on October 29, which saw President Samia Suluhu Hassan declared the winner with nearly 98% of the vote—a result that sparked nationwide protests and a crackdown that opposition leaders claim has left thousands dead.
In the official correspondence dated today, November 25, 2025 (Ref. No: CKAG204/699/01), the Tanzanian government accuses the European Parliament of violating the Samoa Agreement, the framework governing relations between the EU and African, Caribbean, and Pacific states.
The Embassy argues that proceeding with the motion without hearing Tanzania's side violates "the universally recognised principle of natural justice."
"The Government... is concerned that a matter of such gravity touching directly on the sovereignty and reputation of the United Republic of Tanzania is being advanced without affording the Government an opportunity to present its side and clarify facts," the note reads.
Tanzanian officials have requested that the plenary session be rescheduled or that their representatives be allowed to address the Parliament directly to prevent the debate from being "informed by unverified reports and one-sided narratives."
The diplomatic maneuvering in Brussels stands in stark contrast to the grim reports emerging from Tanzania over the last four weeks. The October 29 election, initially hoped to be a step toward democratic reform under President Hassan, descended into chaos.
Following the announcement of the ‘landslide victory’ for the ruling CCM party, spontaneous protests erupted in Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, and Zanzibar. International observers, including the African Union and Human Rights Watch, have reported that security forces responded with live ammunition.
While the United Nations initially confirmed dozens of fatalities, opposition party CHADEMA and various rights groups have since claimed the death toll is far higher. Opposition figures allege that security forces have engaged in a systematic campaign of retribution, with unverified reports of mass graves and over 1,000 to 3,000 deaths—a figure the government staunchly denies.
Central to the EU's motion is the fate of Tundu Lissu, the charismatic opposition leader and Chadema vice-chairman. Lissu, who survived an assassination attempt in 2017 involving 16 gunshots, is currently imprisoned.
Lissu was arrested prior to the full election fallout and faces charges of treason—a non-bailable offense that carries the death penalty. His detention effectively decapitated the opposition movement during the critical vote-counting period. The European Parliament's motion explicitly names his case as a symbol of the "deteriorating human rights situation."
Funding at Risk
The stakes for Tanzania are high. Earlier this week, committees within the European Parliament voted to object to a €156 million development funding package for Tanzania, citing "democratic backsliding." Tomorrow's hearing could solidify this freeze, cutting off vital aid to the East African nation.
President Hassan's administration has attempted to stem the tide of international condemnation. On November 20, she launched a National Commission of Enquiry to investigate the unrest. In the diplomatic note sent to Brussels, the Embassy cites this Commission as evidence of the government's commitment to the rule of law.
However, opposition leaders have already rejected the Commission as a "domestic cover-up," demanding an independent international investigation—a call that appears to be resonating with EU lawmakers.
The coming 24 hours will test the strength of the EU-Tanzania partnership. The Tanzanian Embassy's invocation of Article 87(1) of the Samoa Agreement—which prioritizes dialogue over unilateral action—places the EU in a difficult position: adhere to diplomatic protocol and delay the hearing, or proceed with the urgent condemnation of alleged mass atrocities.
As of this evening, the European Parliament has not indicated it will withdraw the motion.
A diplomatic row has erupted between the European Union and the United Republic of Tanzania on the eve of a critical European Parliament hearing. In a strongly worded Note Verbale obtained by this publication, the Tanzanian Embassy in Brussels has formally protested a scheduled motion debating "Post-election killings and the deteriorating human rights situation in Tanzania," specifically highlighting the imprisonment of opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
The hearing, set for tomorrow, November 26, 2025, comes less than a month after Tanzania's disputed general election on October 29, which saw President Samia Suluhu Hassan declared the winner with nearly 98% of the vote—a result that sparked nationwide protests and a crackdown that opposition leaders claim has left thousands dead.
The Diplomatic Note: "Natural Justice" vs. Urgent Scrutiny
In the official correspondence dated today, November 25, 2025 (Ref. No: CKAG204/699/01), the Tanzanian government accuses the European Parliament of violating the Samoa Agreement, the framework governing relations between the EU and African, Caribbean, and Pacific states.
The Embassy argues that proceeding with the motion without hearing Tanzania's side violates "the universally recognised principle of natural justice."
"The Government... is concerned that a matter of such gravity touching directly on the sovereignty and reputation of the United Republic of Tanzania is being advanced without affording the Government an opportunity to present its side and clarify facts," the note reads.
Tanzanian officials have requested that the plenary session be rescheduled or that their representatives be allowed to address the Parliament directly to prevent the debate from being "informed by unverified reports and one-sided narratives."
The Backdrop: A Bloody October
The diplomatic maneuvering in Brussels stands in stark contrast to the grim reports emerging from Tanzania over the last four weeks. The October 29 election, initially hoped to be a step toward democratic reform under President Hassan, descended into chaos.
Following the announcement of the ‘landslide victory’ for the ruling CCM party, spontaneous protests erupted in Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, and Zanzibar. International observers, including the African Union and Human Rights Watch, have reported that security forces responded with live ammunition.
While the United Nations initially confirmed dozens of fatalities, opposition party CHADEMA and various rights groups have since claimed the death toll is far higher. Opposition figures allege that security forces have engaged in a systematic campaign of retribution, with unverified reports of mass graves and over 1,000 to 3,000 deaths—a figure the government staunchly denies.
The Tundu Lissu Factor
Central to the EU's motion is the fate of Tundu Lissu, the charismatic opposition leader and Chadema vice-chairman. Lissu, who survived an assassination attempt in 2017 involving 16 gunshots, is currently imprisoned.
Lissu was arrested prior to the full election fallout and faces charges of treason—a non-bailable offense that carries the death penalty. His detention effectively decapitated the opposition movement during the critical vote-counting period. The European Parliament's motion explicitly names his case as a symbol of the "deteriorating human rights situation."
Funding at Risk
The stakes for Tanzania are high. Earlier this week, committees within the European Parliament voted to object to a €156 million development funding package for Tanzania, citing "democratic backsliding." Tomorrow's hearing could solidify this freeze, cutting off vital aid to the East African nation.
President Hassan's administration has attempted to stem the tide of international condemnation. On November 20, she launched a National Commission of Enquiry to investigate the unrest. In the diplomatic note sent to Brussels, the Embassy cites this Commission as evidence of the government's commitment to the rule of law.
However, opposition leaders have already rejected the Commission as a "domestic cover-up," demanding an independent international investigation—a call that appears to be resonating with EU lawmakers.
A Test of the "Samoa" Partnership
The coming 24 hours will test the strength of the EU-Tanzania partnership. The Tanzanian Embassy's invocation of Article 87(1) of the Samoa Agreement—which prioritizes dialogue over unilateral action—places the EU in a difficult position: adhere to diplomatic protocol and delay the hearing, or proceed with the urgent condemnation of alleged mass atrocities.
As of this evening, the European Parliament has not indicated it will withdraw the motion.
Key Timeline of Events:
- October 29, 2025: General Election held; internet blackouts reported.
- Oct 30-Nov 3, 2025: Protests erupt; security forces accused of using lethal force.
- November 4, 2025: President Samia Suluhu Hassan sworn in.
- November 20, 2025: President Hassan launches the National Commission of Enquiry.
- November 25, 2025: Tanzanian Embassy issues protest note to EU Parliament.
- November 26, 2025: Scheduled EU Parliament hearing on Tanzania.
