In a significant diplomatic and reputational setback, Tanzania has been stripped of the hosting rights for the 30th East Africa Law Society (EALS) Annual Conference and General Meeting, which was originally set to take place in Zanzibar later this year.
The decision was formally announced on Monday, June 23, 2025, through an official communiqué issued by EALS President Ramadhan Abubakar. The EALS cited political instability and safety concerns in Tanzania—particularly around the upcoming general elections—as the primary reasons behind the relocation.
The highly anticipated event will now be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, marking a sudden but deliberate shift in venue to safeguard participants.
Zanzibar Dropped Despite Historical Significance
Zanzibar had been carefully selected to host the prestigious event, which also coincides with the 30th anniversary of the East Africa Law Society, the region’s most influential legal body with over 45,000 members across East Africa, including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, and South Sudan.
“While Zanzibar had initially been selected as the host, recent developments—including the upcoming general elections in the United Republic of Tanzania—have necessitated a reconsideration,” the statement from EALS read.
“After careful deliberation and in the absence of firm guarantees to delegates who will be attending the event, the EALS Governing Council considered alternative venues during its meeting on June 16, 2025.”
This year’s conference was expected to attract leading legal minds, scholars, government officials, civil society representatives, and regional jurists to deliberate on emerging legal issues, regional integration, and human rights across East Africa.
Safety and Political Climate at the Core
Although the EALS stopped short of directly criticizing the Tanzanian government, its carefully worded statement makes clear that the unpredictable political environment was a deal-breaker.
The decision comes amid growing concerns about Tanzania’s democratic space, especially in the run-up to its general elections. Observers have pointed to rising tensions, government crackdowns on dissent, and shrinking civil liberties as contributing factors to the deteriorating political atmosphere.
“Given the symbolic importance of the 30th EALS anniversary, and due to the need to protect the physical security and political integrity of our members, the Governing Council acted decisively,” a source familiar with the decision noted.
Human Rights Concerns Add Pressure
In recent months, Tanzania’s human rights record has come under increased scrutiny, especially following a number of controversial incidents that made international headlines.
One of the most notable flashpoints was the deportation of Kenyan political figures and activists, including People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua and former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, who had traveled to Tanzania to attend a civil society forum. The move sparked condemnation across the region.
Additionally, Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi accused Tanzanian authorities of torturing him during detention, prompting a diplomatic row and fresh questions about President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s commitment to human rights.
While Tanzania’s government has denied any wrongdoing, the optics of these incidents—paired with the EALS relocation—send a powerful signal that the international legal community is losing confidence in Tanzania as a safe and neutral space for regional dialogue.
EALS Move Welcomed by Kenyan Legal Community
In Kenya, the decision to relocate the conference to Ethiopia was met with widespread approval, particularly among members of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), which is one of the founding members of the EALS.
Kenyan legal professionals have historically held leadership positions within the regional body, and the move was seen as a victory for democratic principles and regional legal independence.
Nairobi Senator, one of the early public figures to comment on the development, praised the EALS leadership:
“Thanks to the leadership of the East Africa Law Society led by President Ramadhan Abubakar for this bold decision to strip Tanzania of hosting rights. I’m proud to have voted for you,” the senator posted on social media.
Legal commentators have echoed similar sentiments, describing the move as a “turning point” for EALS in asserting its role as a guardian of regional rule of law and democratic values.
Ethiopia Steps In as Alternative Host
With Addis Ababa now confirmed as the new host city, attention shifts to Ethiopia’s preparations for the landmark event. As the diplomatic capital of Africa and home to the African Union headquarters, Addis Ababa offers a more secure and internationally neutral ground for the high-level conference.
Organizers say logistical plans are already underway and that delegates can expect updated travel and registration details in the coming weeks.
“We are working closely with local partners in Ethiopia to ensure that this year’s Annual Conference will proceed smoothly and uphold the values and prestige associated with EALS,” said a spokesperson for the conference committee.
A Precedent for Future Accountability
The decision to strip Tanzania of hosting rights may set a powerful precedent for how international and regional organizations respond to political repression, particularly when member states fail to provide adequate safety and democratic guarantees.
For East Africa’s legal fraternity, the episode underscores the growing need to defend human rights, judicial independence, and civic space, especially in countries sliding toward authoritarianism.
As the 30th EALS Annual Conference moves forward in a new venue, it does so as a symbol not only of legal excellence but also of regional solidarity and resistance to repression.
Conclusion
The relocation of the East Africa Law Society’s Annual Conference from Tanzania to Ethiopia is more than just a logistical shift—it is a clear message to governments across the region that the legal profession will not stand by in the face of injustice and democratic backsliding.
As the East African region continues to grapple with complex governance issues, the EALS has positioned itself as a catalyst for accountability, and its decision to relocate the 30th conference underscores a renewed commitment to its founding values: justice, safety, transparency, and democratic integrity.