What You Need to Know
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has firmly stated that her country will not accept external interference in its internal affairs. During a meeting with Dar es Salaam leaders, she questioned the authority of foreign entities issuing directives on governance, asserting that limited aid does not justify such interventions.
Africa. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has confirmed that her country will not accept “impositions” from external parties regarding its internal affairs, emphasizing that the limited aid Tanzania receives does not grant anyone the right to intervene.
During a meeting with leaders from Dar es Salaam, the president stated that some foreign entities have been issuing directives on how to govern the country since the general elections.
She questioned amid applause from the audience, “They say: You must do this and that… Who are you? Do you think of yourselves as our masters? Is it because of the little money you provide?”
Samia clarified that the volume of foreign funding directed to Tanzania has significantly decreased, adding, “The money is no longer there; it is very little. We are now talking about trade partnerships that benefit both parties.”
European Background
Although the president did not name the parties she referred to, the European Parliament had adopted a decision on November 27, 2025, to suspend 156 million euros in aid planned for Tanzania in 2026. The government confirmed that it is closely monitoring the situation.
For his part, Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Mahmoud Thabit Kombo stated that negotiations with the European Union are still ongoing, noting that the final decision regarding financial cooperation will be issued by the European Commission.
The president’s statements reflect an official trend towards reducing reliance on foreign aid and seeking alternatives based on investment and economic partnerships, at a time when European pressures regarding governance and human rights issues in Tanzania are increasing.
Tanzania has historically relied on foreign aid for various development projects, but recent trends indicate a shift towards self-sufficiency. The European Parliament’s decision to suspend aid has prompted the Tanzanian government to explore alternative partnerships focused on trade and investment, reflecting a broader strategy to reduce dependency on external assistance.
