DAR ES SALAAM — The government of Tanzania has refused entry to a delegation from the European Parliament that intended to investigate allegations of election-related violence and human rights violations linked to the country’s 2025 general elections.
Authorities said the decision was taken due to what they described as procedural delays and disruptions surrounding the planned visit, arguing that national processes must be prioritised before any external assessment is carried out.
The parliamentary delegation had reportedly sought to assess claims of excessive use of force, political unrest, and alleged abuses during and after the 2025 polls. However, Tanzanian officials maintained that domestic mechanisms were already addressing the concerns.
The government further noted that a national inquiry into the post-election situation had been completed in April 2026, suggesting that internal investigations had already reached their conclusion.
The refusal is likely to draw attention from European lawmakers and human rights observers, who have previously called for greater transparency and independent scrutiny of election-related incidents in Tanzania.
No immediate comment was issued by the European Parliament following the decision.
Tanzania has in recent years faced periodic criticism from rights groups over electoral conduct and restrictions on political activity, though authorities consistently reject claims of systematic abuses.
