The Tanzanian government has taken proactive steps to engage the international community over concerns about violence and unrest linked to the country’s recent General Elections.
A high-level delegation led by Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo and Prof. Palamagamba Kabudi held constructive discussions with UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk and permanent representatives from multiple countries in Geneva.
During the talks, the delegation described the election-related incidents as “regrettable but exceptional,” stressing that they do not reflect Tanzania’s overall stability, democratic record, or commitment to peace.
The government outlined concrete measures to address the situation, including the establishment of an Independent Commission of Inquiry to investigate the causes of unrest, the launch of a national reconciliation process, and plans for a constitutional review to strengthen democratic governance.
A key highlight of the Geneva engagement was the presentation of “Sovereign Pragmatism,” a policy approach championed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The principle seeks to safeguard Tanzania’s sovereignty while maintaining broad, constructive international engagement, ensuring that national interests remain a priority without undermining global partnerships.
The delegation also placed significant emphasis on youth empowerment as a pillar of long-term stability.
Government initiatives include the creation of a dedicated ministry for youth welfare, entrepreneurship training programs, access to concessional loans and start-up capital, tax incentives for companies employing young people, and the establishment of innovation hubs to foster creativity and skills development.
The international response to Tanzania’s engagement was largely positive. UN High Commissioner Volker Türk welcomed the “direct dialogue” and underlined the importance of the Commission of Inquiry’s independence for credibility.
Members of the Human Rights Council commended Tanzania’s transparency, noting that open dialogue is more effective than selective criticism.
Regional partners from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) reiterated their support, citing Tanzania’s longstanding role in regional peacebuilding and mediation.
The Geneva mission underscores Tanzania’s commitment to addressing domestic challenges through transparent and institutional reforms, while simultaneously strengthening international trust and confidence in its governance.
By framing recent incidents as isolated and taking tangible measures to prevent recurrence, the government aims to ensure political stability, foster reconciliation, and promote inclusive development across the country.