EU sanctions Tanzania

The European Parliament has passed a resolution imposing sanctions on Tanzania, primarily in response to the country’s October 2025 elections. The decision was made during a plenary session held on 27 November 2025 in Brussels, the headquarters of the European Union. Members of Parliament reviewed a report on the state of human rights in Tanzania during the presidential election period. The Parliament stated that the October 2025 elections “were marked by human rights violations, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries.” It also announced the suspension of €156 million, equivalent to 400

The European Parliament has passed a resolution imposing sanctions on Tanzania, primarily in response to the country’s October 2025 elections. The decision was made during a plenary session held on 27 November 2025 in Brussels, the headquarters of the European Union. Members of Parliament reviewed a report on the state of human rights in Tanzania during the presidential election period. The Parliament stated that the October 2025 elections “were marked by human rights violations, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries.” It also announced the suspension of €156 million, equivalent to 400 billion Tanzanian shillings—in development aid previously allocated to Tanzania. The resolution passed with 539 votes in favor and 27 abstentions. The resolution stated: “The Tanzanian government should engage in political dialogue with the opposition, civil society, and representatives of victims to address the crisis and pave the way for new, credible, and transparent elections.” The EU further urged the Tanzanian government to engage in talks and release detained political figures, including Tundu Lissu. In the October 2025 elections, President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner with 98% of the vote. The elections were followed by widespread unrest and demonstrations, largely fueled by allegations of electoral fraud. International organizations reported numerous deaths during the unrest, allegations the Tanzanian government denies. Lawyers representing families of people who disappeared during the protests have recently petitioned the Office of the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC) to open an investigation to establish the facts and hold those responsible accountable.