Commonwealth Special Envoy concludes visit to the United Republic of Tanzania

Supported by staff from the Commonwealth Secretariat, this visit was undertaken following a request by the 71st Meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG), which placed Tanzania on CMAG’s Formal Agenda. 

The Special Envoy was tasked with engaging with all stakeholders to support the strengthening of the values and principles of the Commonwealth, including freedom of assembly, expression and the media; with determining possible modalities for an inter-party consultative forum on electoral reform; and with exploring transparent and inclusive pathways to national dialogue and accountability after the protests, violence and events surrounding the 29 October 2025 General Elections.

During the visit, the Special Envoy met with a broad range of stakeholders in Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and Zanzibar, including Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania; His Excellency Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi,  President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council; Rt. Hon. Othman Masoud Othman, the First Vice President of Zanzibar, and other senior Government officials.

He also met with the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Chief Justice, the Chairperson of the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Chairperson of the Zanzibar Electoral Commission, the Registrar of Political Parties, and the  Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the October 2025 events.

Additionally, the Special Envoy held discussions with leaders of all 19 political parties in Tanzania, including the detained chairperson of opposition party CHADEMA, Mr. Tundu Lissu, as well as with former heads of government, members of Parliament, members of the diplomatic corps and international community, civil society organisations, human rights groups, religious leaders, and representatives of media, youth, and women’s groups. 

Special Envoy Chakwera expressed his gratitude for the hospitality extended to him and was pleased with Tanzania’s continued engagement with the Commonwealth. He encouraged all parties to work together for national healing and inclusive dialogue. Dr Chakwera applauded the commitment of all to work together to foster reconciliation and provide accountability for the victims and their loved ones. He urged all Tanzanians to work to strengthen trust and public confidence in institutions, and to advance processes for reconciliation, resilience and long-term stability.

Speaking at the conclusion of the visit, Dr Chakwera said:

"I am encouraged by the patriotism of all stakeholders. While I look forward to the outcome of the Independent Commission of Inquiry in the coming days, I also join Tanzanians in their belief that the work of building lasting peace and prosperity will require a foundation of good will, mutual respect, and a commitment to truth and accountability, to open and constructive dialogue, to justice and reconciliation, and to transparent and inclusive democratic processes for undertaking reforms.

"This is a foundation that sometimes requires the support and accompaniment of good friends and neighbours, and I thank Tanzania for welcoming our offer of support."

Dr Chakwera’s report will be submitted to the Secretary-General and will inform her report to CMAG. The Commonwealth remains committed to walking alongside Tanzania as a valued member of the Commonwealth family in a spirit of partnership and respect, to support continued efforts towards reconciliation and reform, institutional strengthening, inclusive governance and development.