The U.S. Embassy in Tanzania has categorically denied the authenticity of a leaked document that claims USAID is funding political opposition parties ahead of the country’s 2025 general elections.
The document, labeled “Mission – Tanzania 2025 Elections Action Plan,” alleges that U.S. development aid is being channeled to Tanzanian opposition parties such as CHADEMA and ACT-Wazalendo under the guise of promoting democracy. It outlines activities including election observation, civic education programs, and a so-called crisis response plan managed by the U.S. Embassy’s Election Working Group.
In a statement issued Friday, the U.S. Embassy dismissed the document as false and misleading.
“We have determined that these documents are false and do not reflect U.S. Embassy policy vis-à-vis the elections,”
the statement read.
Tanzania’s main opposition parties have not commented in detail, with officials from both CHADEMA and ACT-Wazalendo saying they are still reviewing the material.
Meanwhile, the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party confirmed receipt of the alleged document and stated that it is analyzing its contents. The party’s Secretary for Ideology and Publicity, Amos Makalla, did not comment further.
Government officials have also expressed caution. William Lukuvi, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, stated that he had not seen the document but would follow up on the matter.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which is overseeing the ongoing voter registration process, clarified its role. Director of Elections Ramadhan Kailima said INEC does not regulate party funding or external financial involvement, emphasizing that this is under the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties.
Kailima confirmed that USAID, like other international organizations, has been accredited to observe the current voter registration drive.
“We began accepting applications for civic education and observation on April 21, and the deadline is May 20,”
he said.
Documents seen by WAJ indicate that the alleged USAID plan includes specific timelines and budget lines for political engagement and outlines mechanisms for coordination with civil society partners during the election period.
Some civil society actors dismissed the leak as politically motivated. One prominent analyst, who asked to remain anonymous, said the leak appears aimed at sowing distrust toward the opposition. “This seems like an effort to undermine public confidence in opposition parties during a sensitive electoral period,” the analyst added.
CHADEMA has previously called for more time to prepare for the election and demanded deeper reforms, including broader changes to the electoral body. The government, for its part, maintains that significant electoral reforms have already been enacted, citing the establishment of a new Independent Electoral Commission.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to issue a public statement regarding the leaked document.
As the 2025 elections draw closer, the controversy surrounding the alleged U.S. involvement highlights growing tensions in Tanzania’s political landscape—raising concerns over transparency, foreign influence, and trust in electoral institutions.