President Samia Suluhu Hassan has delivered a firm message to external actors, insisting that Tanzania will not bend to foreign pressure despite receiving only modest levels of aid. Addressing elders in Dar es Salaam, she criticised what she described as attempts by outsiders to dictate the country’s internal direction following the general election.
She questioned the audacity of external voices prescribing how Tanzania should operate, arguing that the financial support they offer is too insignificant to warrant such control. The President noted that even the assistance those foreign entities claim to provide has dwindled over the years, reinforcing the government’s shift toward partnerships that deliver mutual economic gain rather than dependency.
Her remarks come against the backdrop of a recent decision by the EU Parliament to freeze €156 million earmarked for Tanzania in 2026—funds representing just 0.7 percent of the national budget. While negotiations continue, Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo has confirmed that the ultimate green light lies with the EU Commission.
President Hassan, however, made clear that Tanzania’s sovereignty and decision-making will not be swayed by the size of any cheque.
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