The Speaker of the Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania, Mussa Azzan Zungu, has directed Members of Parliament who travelled to Morocco without official permission to submit written explanations within four days, after they joined fans in supporting the national Under-17 football team, Serengeti Boys, during an international tournament.
Speaking in Parliament in Dodoma on June 4, 2026, Speaker Zungu instructed the Clerk of the National Assembly to formally write to all MPs involved in the trip, demanding clarification on why they left the country without obtaining approval from the Speaker’s Office, as required under parliamentary rules and procedures.
He said the MPs were part of a delegation that travelled to Morocco to cheer on Serengeti Boys in the final match against Senegal. The Tanzanian side eventually lost the final before returning home the following day.
Zungu emphasized that while supporting the national team was a commendable gesture, all Members of Parliament are required to strictly follow established procedures when travelling outside the country, whether on official or unofficial engagements.
He warned that failure to comply with parliamentary travel regulations undermines institutional discipline and accountability, stressing that no MP is exempt from the requirement to seek prior authorization before leaving the country in any capacity linked to public representation.
The Speaker further noted that the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, had made official arrangements in support of the youth team, including providing a special aircraft to boost morale and facilitate the team’s participation.
However, he clarified that such arrangements did not grant automatic clearance for individual lawmakers to travel independently.
Zungu ordered that all concerned MPs must respond within four days, warning that failure to provide satisfactory explanations would result in disciplinary measures in line with parliamentary standing orders and ethics procedures.
He reiterated that adherence to parliamentary rules is essential to maintaining order, discipline, and the integrity of the National Assembly, regardless of the intentions behind any unauthorized travel.
The directive has drawn attention to the need for stricter compliance with parliamentary procedures, even when public officials seek to show support for national sporting events.
