Addressing parliament while responding to debate on his ministry’s 2026/27 budget estimates, Kombo defended Tanzania’s expanding diplomatic engagement and said the East African nation remained committed to sovereignty, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence amid shifting geopolitical tensions globally.
“All nations are friends of Tanzania and we do not inherit other people’s enemies. No one has the authority to force Tanzania to hate another country because they consider it an enemy,” Kombo told lawmakers.
The remarks reflect Tanzania’s broader foreign policy approach of maintaining balanced diplomatic relations with competing global powers while avoiding alignment in major geopolitical rivalries increasingly shaping international relations.
Analysts say many African countries are seeking to preserve strategic neutrality as global competition intensifies between Western powers, China, Russia and emerging regional blocs over trade, investment, security and influence.
Kombo warned that Tanzania would respond diplomatically to any external attempts to interfere in its internal affairs or undermine national sovereignty.
“Those seeking to use our weaknesses to suppress, intimidate or undermine… Tanzania will receive a diplomatic response because this country deserves respect,” he said.
The minister praised President Samia Suluhu Hassan for pursuing reconciliation, political tolerance and national unity since taking office in 2021, saying her leadership had improved Tanzania’s international standing and restored confidence among foreign partners.
He said the president had extended what he described as an “olive branch” to political leaders, religious institutions and civil society groups, helping strengthen both domestic stability and diplomatic relations abroad.
Since assuming office, Samia has sought to re-engage with international partners, ease political tensions and project a more open and reform-oriented leadership style following periods of heightened political restrictions.
Kombo said Tanzania continued to distinguish itself as a peaceful and united country free from religious or sectarian divisions.
“Tanzania has no religious discrimination. I do not even know the denominations of my deputies and they do not know mine,” he said.
The minister also called on Tanzanians to support President Samia, saying she had faced significant pressure while guiding the country through sensitive political and economic periods.
“Our country faced serious challenges, yet President Samia carried the burden of criticism alone. Sometimes we must show compassion and support our leader,” he said.
Kombo further urged political leaders and Members of Parliament to protect national unity in accordance with their constitutional responsibilities.
He revealed that shortly after his appointment as foreign minister, President Samia tasked him with delivering 25 special diplomatic letters to various countries explaining Tanzania’s political situation during a sensitive post-election period.
“I travelled across the world explaining what had happened in Tanzania. Many leaders asked why we had delayed engaging them, and I explained that the government was still being formed after the election period,” he said.
According to Kombo, Tanzania’s diplomatic outreach — including engagements with international leaders and institutions such as the Vatican — helped restore international confidence in the country.
On concerns circulating online regarding the safety of Tanzanians living in South Africa, the minister said all Tanzanians there remained safe and unaffected by recent incidents.
Meanwhile, Speaker of the National Assembly Mussa Zungu said Tanzania remained committed to democracy, prosperity and respect for human rights despite challenges experienced during events surrounding October 29, 2025.
He called on the international community and development partners to continue supporting reconciliation and national healing efforts in the country.
Notes to Editors
– This is primarily a foreign policy story, not a budget story, despite being delivered during parliamentary budget discussions.
– The key news point is Tanzania's reaffirmation of its longstanding non-aligned diplomatic doctrine amid growing geopolitical competition.
– The statement positions Tanzania alongside many African states seeking strategic flexibility rather than alignment with competing global blocs.
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