Tanzanian Opposition Urges Sweden to Halt Aid Amid Election Violence and Authoritarian Rule
Tanzania's opposition urges Sweden to reconsider aid amid contested elections and violent unrest under an authoritarian regime.
- • Tanzania’s 2025 elections were marred by violence leading to hundreds of deaths, with opposition Chadema boycotting the polls.
- • President Samia Suluhu Hassan reportedly won over 97% of votes in an unopposed election that Chadema claims was undemocratic.
- • Chadema urges Sweden to stop longstanding aid to Tanzania, citing authoritarianism and electoral violence.
- • Swedish Aid Minister Benjamin Dousa is reviewing aid strategy as it expires at the end of 2025 amid concerns over Tanzania’s political climate.
Key details
Tanzania's main opposition party, Chadema, has called on Sweden to suspend its long-standing financial aid following disputed elections that saw President Samia Suluhu Hassan win with over 97% of the vote in an election boycotted by the opposition. The elections have been marred by significant violence and widespread accusations of authoritarian practices, prompting concerns about the democratic legitimacy of the current Tanzanian administration.
According to Chadema, security forces have been responsible for the deaths of between 500 and 850 people during post-election unrest, marking one of the country's worst episodes of violence in recent history. Chadema's international spokesperson, Deogratias Munishi, described the unrest as unprecedented in a nation previously considered one of Africa’s most peaceful. The opposition also reports government attempts to suppress media coverage and restrict internet access during the crisis. Chadema’s leader, Tundu Lissu, is facing treason charges with the potential for the death penalty.
Sweden has been a major donor to Tanzania since the 1960s, contributing over 60 billion kronor in aid. However, the aid relationship has faced scrutiny, with a 2016 investigation suggesting limited effectiveness. Swedish Aid Minister Benjamin Dousa expressed concern over the recent electoral process and the deteriorating political situation, acknowledging that the existing aid strategy—which is scheduled to expire at the end of 2025—is under review. Dousa emphasized the lack of democratic progress and economic reforms under Hassan’s governance, noting the regime’s increasingly authoritarian stance that follows the legacy of former president John Magufuli.
While the Tanzanian government maintains that the elections were transparent and democratic, opposition calls for a broader revolt against the current regime persist. International responses have varied, with the African Union extending congratulations to the ruling party, but other voices such as South Africa’s ANC questioning the election’s legitimacy.
This development puts Sweden at a crossroads on its foreign aid policy towards Tanzania, balancing its historical support for the country against emerging concerns about democratic backsliding and human rights violations.