Tanzania: Summary of Key Events - November 27, 2025

[JF Summary]

European Parliament Votes to Block Funding to Tanzania and Consider Sanctions​

The European Parliament has called on the Council of the European Union (EU Council) to suspend funding to the Government of Tanzania and to redirect aid funds to civil society organizations, journalists, and human rights defenders. It also emphasized that sanctions should be imposed on all those involved in the suppression of human rights during the election.

Furthermore, the Parliament has accused the Government of Tanzania of oppression during the election, citing deaths, injuries, hundreds of arrests, and reports of mass graves. It stated that the Government must immediately stop arresting opposition members, journalists, and human rights defenders, release the Opposition Leader, Tundu Lissu, unconditionally, and restore internet services and the media outlets that were banned.

Additionally, the Parliament has urged Tanzania to establish an independent international investigation, led by Africa, into the killings, torture, and disappearances of people. It also called for the initiation of inclusive dialogue between the Government, the opposition, civil society, and representatives of victims to facilitate a new, free, and transparent election.

Public Opinion:
Many have supported suspending aid, arguing that these loans have never benefited citizens. They say that, in addition to serving the leaders' interests, the funds were used to pay the security forces alleged to have been involved in human rights violations during the election.

Others have said that following Europe's suspension of aid, other nations should follow suit to increase pressure on the Government to be accountable. Many are waiting to see what steps the Government will take after the European Parliament's decision.

Mwabukusi: Intimidating Lawyers Providing Legal Aid is "Raping and Defiling" the Justice Delivery System​

The President of the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS), Advocate Boniface Mwabukusi, via his X page today, November 26, 2025, criticized what he called the laxity of decision-making bodies and the disruption of the foundations of democracy, accountability, and the rule of law. He stated this is the source of the uncertainty and loss of hope among the youth.

He warned against threats against lawyers providing legal aid, emphasizing that such actions undermine the justice delivery system. Mwabukusi said that Gen Z youths have valid legal and constitutional arguments. He called for a return to truth, justice, and accountability regarding what happened before, during, and after the election so that the country can heal and return to the foundations of the rule of law.

He urged the authorities to avoid propaganda and instead conduct a professional assessment of the reasons that have placed the nation in its current state.

Public Opinion:
Many have congratulated Mwabukusi for his efforts to ensure justice is served for all those framed with treason cases. They say the Government’s move to threaten lawyers means it has run out of defensive tactics and is using any means necessary to avoid accountability.

Golugwa: Government Has Failed to Admit and Speak the Truth About the October 29 Disaster​

The Deputy Secretary General of the Party for Democracy and Progress (CHADEMA) Mainland, Amani Golugwa, referred to statements made by Prime Minister Dr. Mwigulu during a meeting with Media Editors. He said the Government has failed to explain the truth regarding allegations of mass graves and failed to state the number of deceased people, claiming his explanation ignored the pain of families who lost their relatives.

He stated that incidents of abduction, disappearances, and the killing of civilians indicate the Government's failure to take action or accept blame. He emphasized that only an independent international commission can reveal the truth, as the Government cannot investigate itself. He made this statement today, November 27, saying citizens want correct answers regarding the incidents of insecurity and deaths alleged to have occurred during demonstrations during the election.

Also, Golugwa said Mwigulu tacitly admitted that police fired indiscriminately at unarmed civilians. He explained that questions from journalists, including one about preparations for the December 9 demonstrations (which one media outlet removed that content), show a lack of press freedom, while commending journalists for presenting arguments for which citizens have been demanding answers.

Golugwa called on the Government to coordinate the process for a New Constitution rather than misleading the public that reforms have already taken place. He urged the Government to listen to the voices of the citizens, adding that Tanzania cannot be built on lies and covering up the truth about the disasters that occurred.

Public Opinion:
Many have supported CHADEMA’s arguments, explaining that Mwigulu did not have answers, as many government leaders do, and that what is happening now is an attempt to persuade citizens to abandon the plan to demonstrate in December.

Augustino Polepole: Humphrey Polepole Must Be Released Within 24 Hours, Or Else I Will Retaliate​

Humphrey Polepole's brother, Augustino Polepole, has issued a 24-hour ultimatum for the release of his brother and taken him to his mother's home in Tabata - Segerea, Dar es Salaam. Otherwise, he will take revenge on all those he has accused of involvement in the incident, whom he has frequently mentioned.

He has issued a warning to Retired President Kikwete and his son Ridhiwani, President Samia, the IGP, Mafwele, and others to increase their security, because this time he will not turn back and will exact revenge if his brother is not returned alive.

Public Opinion:
Many say Augustino has been issuing threats without implementation, which makes people ignore him. They feel that, realistically, he does not have the capacity to execute what he says. Although this statement has made some feel he is tired (desperate), he might carry out his resolve if those who took his brother do not do as he ordered. Some said they are giving him a last chance; if he doesn't do what he promised, they will not listen to him again, while stating they stand with him regarding his grievances.

Some have said this matter should not be taken lightly, especially considering a person carrying the pain of losing his brother could do anything if his brother is not returned. Therefore, they should not treat it as a mere joke and should return his brother so peace can return.

Additionally, others say perhaps Polepole was killed a long time ago, so they cannot return him. Now it remains to be seen: will Augustino execute his resolve if his brother is not returned? Time is waiting to decide this fate.