Head of SADC Mission Richard Msowoya condemns aggressive treatment of accredited election observers by Tanzanian security agents
By Burnett Munthali
On November 23, 2025, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) election observer mission reported an alarming incident involving its team in Tanga Town, Tanzania.
According to the head of the mission, Richard Msowoya, the observers, who were carrying official accreditation identification cards, were subjected to aggressive interrogation by security forces.
The incident reportedly took place while the observers were conducting their duties in line with SADC’s mandate to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections in member states.
Msowoya stated that the security officers seized the observers’ official documents, including their passports and other mission credentials, despite the team having proper clearance to operate in the area.
He further disclosed that although the documents were later returned, the observers were forced to delete mission-related photographs from their official gadgets.
The deletion order, according to Msowoya, raises serious concerns about transparency and the freedom of regional observers to perform their duties without intimidation or interference.
He described the behavior of the security forces as inconsistent with Tanzania’s commitment to democratic values and regional cooperation under the SADC framework.
Msowoya emphasized that election observation is an internationally recognized process aimed at fostering credibility and confidence in electoral outcomes.
He warned that such acts of harassment could undermine public trust and damage the image of Tanzania as a democratic nation committed to upholding the rule of law.
The SADC mission has since lodged a formal complaint with Tanzanian authorities, calling for an explanation and assurances that similar incidents will not occur again.
Observers across the region have expressed solidarity with the affected team, urging host governments to ensure the safety and independence of all election monitoring missions.
As the electoral process continues, SADC reiterated its commitment to maintaining neutrality and professionalism while continuing to observe and report on the electoral environment in Tanzania.
This incident, however, casts a shadow over what should be a transparent and peaceful electoral process, raising fresh questions about the treatment of international observers in the region.
