The UK government has said it is deeply concerned by the conviction of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu on charges of incitement. In a statement published on 10 November 2026, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office also cited the findings of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, whose opinion No. 74/2025 concluded that Lissu's detention was arbitrary, lacked sufficient legal basis, was accompanied by serious fair trial concerns and contravened protections in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Tanzania's obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The statement called on Tanzania to uphold its commitments under international human rights law, including the rights to a fair trial, freedom of expression, political participation and equal treatment before the law. It also voiced support for the view of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry that political reconciliation is an important step toward healing the wounds caused by the violence surrounding the October 2025 General Elections and restoring peace, trust and solidarity.

The UK urged Tanzanian authorities to uphold what it described as an essential commitment to reconciliation, pluralist democracy, fair trial, due process and the rule of law. The statement was issued by Minister for Africa and International Development Kirsty McNeill.