European Parliamentarians block commission from funding Tanzania
"On Thursday, the 18th of May, Members of the European Parliament adopted a resolution demanding the European Commission withdraw its 2026 funding support proposal for Tanzania," reads the statement from Eoghan Walsh the Press Officer for the European Parliament.
Black News 
Members of the European Parliament have objected to the EU Commission funding plan for Tanzania.
The European Parliament already opposed Commission proposal in November 2025 and according to a statement, the concerns of Members of the European Parliament have not been addressed by Commission
The statement from the Press Service, Directorate General for Communication of the European Parliament, points out that a delegation of Subcommittee on Human Rights was barred from visiting Tanzania twice, with the first incident being February 2026 and again in May 2026
“On Thursday, the 18th of May, Members of the European Parliament adopted a resolution demanding the European Commission withdraw its 2026 funding support proposal for Tanzania,” reads the statement from Eoghan Walsh the Press Officer for the European Parliament.
The European Parliament adopted a resolution, by a show of hands, on the draft Commission implementing a decision on the financing of the annual action plan in favor of the United Republic of Tanzania for 2026.
In the text adopted in plenary, Members of the European Parliament (MEPS) note the Commission’s decision in November 2025 to suspend the process for the adoption of its decision on financing for Tanzania in the wake of grave concerns expressed by MEPs, particular with regard to the conduct of Tanzania’s fraudulent elections in October 2025.
And also the violent government suppression of demonstrations that followed, which resulted in the death of over 500 people, and hundreds arrested on charges of treason.
MEPs however believe that the concerns expressed in this, and other, resolutions related to the conduct of Tanzania’s government, have not been taken into account in its decision to proceed with the adoption of the draft implementing decision for 2026.
They point to, among other issues, the continued request of Tanzania’s government to postpone the visit of a delegation of MEPs from Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights, a practice which amounts to a refusal of a visit which would have focused on issues relating to human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
The European Legislators consider the Commission’s draft decision to exceed the powers granted to the Commission in the area, and that it is inconsistent with European Union law.
As a consequence, MEPs demand the Commission withdraw its draft implementing decision – which covers €156 million in EU support – and to submit a new draft, while ensuring that any new changes do not adversely affect the inclusive provision of basic services to the population, the protection of human rights and democracy or support to civil society organizations.
Background
Following the holding of what are considered fraudulent elections October 2025, Tanzania’s government engaged in violent suppression of public demonstrations.
A Tanzanian national commission of inquiry investigating the violence surrounding the elections on 29 October 2025 acknowledged on 23 April 2026 that at least 518 people had died, but failed to identify those responsible, thereby impeding accountability and justice for the victims, and did not make its findings public.
On 8 May 2025 MEPs adopted a plenary resolution on the arrest and risk of execution of Tundu Lissu, the Chairperson of CHADEMA, Tanzania’s main opposition party, condemning the arrest, expressing grave concern over the politically-motivated charges against him that carry the risk of capital punishment, and calling for the Tanzanian Government to immediately and unconditionally release him, ensuring his safety and his right to a fair trial and legal representation.
