Tanzania main opposition party, Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), has formally urged the African Union to rescind the appointment of former President Jakaya Kikwete as High-Level Representative for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, citing concerns over impartiality and democratic credibility.
In a letter addressed to AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the opposition party said the decision risks undermining the continental body’s role as a neutral mediator in one of Africa’s most sensitive regions.
CHADEMA said the appointment raises serious questions about integrity, impartiality and credibility in fulfilling the AU mandate for peace and security.
According to the party, Kikwete’s longstanding ties to Tanzania ruling establishment, including his advisory role to President Samia Suluhu Hassan, compromise his ability to act independently in regional diplomacy.
The party also linked Kikwete to policies under both the current administration and that of former President John Magufuli, which it claims restricted civil liberties and weakened political pluralism.
Concerns over neutrality and regional credibility
CHADEMA said Kikwete’s record casts doubt on his ability to serve as a neutral mediator, pointing to his alleged involvement in stalling Tanzania constitutional reform process.
“He played a central role in stalling Tanzania constitution making process, directly undermining democratic aspirations,” the party said in its statement.
The opposition added that continued alignment with the current administration reflects a pattern incompatible with AU principles on democracy and human rights.
The Horn of Africa and Red Sea region remains strategically significant, with ongoing political tensions, security challenges and critical global trade routes.
CHADEMA warned that appointing a figure perceived as politically aligned risks inflaming distrust among regional actors, weakening AU conflict resolution efforts and undermining prospects for sustainable peace.
The party called for an urgent and transparent review of the appointment process, questioning whether adequate due diligence was conducted.
It urged the AU to replace Kikwete with a candidate whose record reflects commitment to democratic governance, human rights and impartiality.
CHADEMA said the credibility of the African Union as a champion of peace, democracy and security depends on principled leadership in key positions.
The African Union has not publicly responded to the concerns raised.