Relations between Tanzania and the EU are marked by mistrust.

Relations between Tanzania and the EU are marked by mistrust.

This statement hits a nerve. Relations are indeed strained and characterized by strategic mistrust, primarily due to differences in values ​​(human rights) and economic interests (EPA). The era of an uncritical, development-policy-centric partnership is over. Tanzania insists on a relationship of equals and is utilizing its new foreign policy options. The future of the partnership depends on finding a new mode of interaction that respects Tanzania's sovereign interests without neglecting the shared interests of stability, sustainability, and development. The main reasons for this mistrust are primarily: - Human rights and the rule of law. The EU has repeatedly expressed concern about developments in Tanzania. These include, for example, restrictions on freedom of expression and of the press (e.g., restrictive media laws, media closures); restrictions on the political opposition and civil society; and human rights issues, particularly in relation to governance. ... Since taking office in 2021, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has taken steps to improve Tanzania's democratic standing and international relations. These include lifting bans on opposition rallies, engaging in dialogue with critics, and promising constitutional reforms. This has been welcomed by the EU and has led to a relaxation of relations compared to the strained Magufuli era. The Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) is a key point of contention. The EU remains Tanzania's most important trading partner. Major exports include agricultural products (coffee, cashew nuts, flowers, fish), minerals (gold, nickel), and increasingly, manufactured goods. Tanzania also imports machinery, equipment, and pharmaceuticals from the EU. This is a protracted and difficult point of negotiation. Tanzania has not ratified the signed agreement due to concerns about its own industrialization and the protection of its emerging industries. Many in Tanzania view the EPA as unilaterally favoring the EU and fear negative consequences for the local economy. This rejection is a key stumbling block. Tanzania, like many other African states, is increasingly emphasizing its sovereignty and pursuing a policy of "multi-aligned" foreign relations. This means entering into partnerships with a variety of actors (e.g., China, Russia, the Gulf States, Turkey) and no longer aligning itself exclusively with the EU. The EU often views this rapprochement with concern, as it sees itself as another power. Historically strained relations and the perception that the EU adopts a paternalistic or patronizing tone and seeks to impose unfair trade conditions fuel mistrust on the Tanzanian side. Tanzania and the partnership framework—this is perhaps the most important and recent development. The EU increasingly views Tanzania as a crucial partner in managing migration routes, particularly from the Horn of Africa to Europe via the "southern route." In return for Tanzania's cooperation in border management, combating smuggling and human trafficking, and the potential reception of migrants and refugees, the EU is offering substantial financial assistance, development support, and political engagement. This includes funding for border security, training, and addressing the root causes of migration. This partnership has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations (such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch). They argue that Tanzania's human rights situation (particularly under the previous Magufuli government, although some improvements have been observed under President Samia) is concerning regarding the treatment of migrants and refugees. The agreement risks outsourcing EU border controls to countries with weaker protections, potentially violating international refugee law. Tanzania could prioritize the EU's security interests over the rights and needs of migrants and asylum seekers. Tanzania views this as an opportunity to secure much-needed financial resources and development aid. It emphasizes its role as a "responsible partner" for regional stability and migration management.