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The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG), which includes Zambia, has called for greater protection of civic, political and media freedoms in Tanzania and Uganda, while urging further steps to strengthen democratic governance in the two countries.
The call was made during CMAG’s 74th meeting, held in an extraordinary session on Sunday on the margins of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
CMAG said Tanzania needed further work towards an inclusive and credibly facilitated inter-party process, as well as fair, timely and transparent due process in outstanding cases and trusted mechanisms for accountability, redress and appropriate compensation for those affected.
The meeting was chaired by Malta’s Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Chris Fearne and attended by ministers and representatives from Antigua and Barbuda, Botswana, Canada, Grenada, Malaysia, Mauritius, Samoa and Zambia.
CMAG held discussions with Tanzania’s Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office John Palamagaba Kabudi.
The group recognised Tanzania’s cooperation with the Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Special Envoy, recent engagement with political parties and steps towards reconciliation in Zanzibar as a basis for further progress.
“The is need for further work to advance an inclusive and credibly facilitated inter-party process” while also protecting civic, political and media freedoms in Tanzania, CMAG said.
The group also encouraged the Tanzanian government to commit to an early date for a visit by the Commonwealth Secretary-General to engage President Samia Suluhu Hassan and other stakeholders.
CMAG agreed to retain Tanzania on its formal agenda.
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On Uganda, CMAG held discussions with Foreign Affairs Minister Adonia Ayebare and welcomed continued engagement by the Commonwealth Secretary-General.
The group described the resumption of operations by Nation Media Group outlets as an encouraging development and encouraged the Ugandan government, in partnership with the Secretary-General and with available Commonwealth support, to strengthen democratic governance and institutions.
CMAG also called for continued efforts to strengthen civilian constitutional governance and the separation of powers, as well as safeguard civic and media space.
Uganda will remain on CMAG’s formal agenda, with the group inviting the Secretary-General to remain actively engaged, visit the country and report on developments and areas where technical support may be requested.
CMAG commended the Commonwealth Secretariat for its efforts to support dialogue and confidence-building across member states and agreed to hold its next regular meeting in November 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda on the margins of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
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