The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG), a significant body within the Commonwealth of Nations, is known to deal with serious or persistent violations of fundamental political values, mainly revolving around democracy, human rights and the rule of law regarding the Commonwealth. On the 6th of December 2025, CMAG placed Tanzania on probation, highlighting one of the most robust rebukes the country has ever had to face in years from the Commonwealth of Nations.
After Ian Borg, Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister, chaired the virtual 71st CMAG meeting, the decision was announced, and the reflection of deep concerns regarding serious democratic backsliding and human rights violations began to come up among the Commonwealth members.
CMAG singled out multiple issues regarding Tanzania’s restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly, and media; threats towards judicial independence; alleged abuses and violence; as well as narrowing civic space. According to CMAG, these violations took place both after and before polls during the recent election, which undermined the core democratic principles that are embedded in the Commonwealth Charter.
The scrutiny took place in simple light of the national elections held on October 29, 2025, in which incumbent Samia Suluhu Hassan was proclaimed the victor with about 98% of the vote. The lack of competition in the elections was strongly condemned by observers, who pointed to limitations on media and civil society operations as well as the exclusion of opposition parties.
As a result of the probations, CMAG has instantly issued explicit requirements. The government must immediately lift restrictions on media, public assembly, and civil society; allow unrestricted access to the Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Special Envoy, former Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera; convene an inter-party forum to establish a framework for future elections; and hold perpetrators of post-election violence accountable while compensating victims.
It was announced that on CMAG’s agenda for March 2026, Tanzania will be reviewed. If they fail to implement reforms, it could seriously trigger further actions, including suspension, as seen previously in Zimbabwe and Pakistan. This rare measure underscores the serious concerns of the Commonwealth, subjecting Tanzania to intense international scrutiny and putting its membership in jeopardy.
