Tanzanian Opposition Leader Faces Arrests, Charges

Tanzanian authorities arrested at least two senior members of the main opposition party, CHADEMA, on Thursday as they traveled to a rally in support of their leader, Tundu Lissu, who is facing treason charges.

CHADEMA spokeswoman Brenda Rupia confirmed that Deputy Chairperson John Heche and Secretary General John Mnyika were among those detained in Dar es Salaam.

“We are continuing to witness grave violations of human rights, civic freedoms, and the rule of law in our country,” Rupia wrote on X. “We won’t allow our nation to return to the darkness of fear, threats, and oppression.”

The arrests come amid an escalating government crackdown on opposition figures ahead of Tanzania’s presidential and parliamentary elections in October. Amnesty International has condemned what it calls a “campaign of repression,” accusing authorities of using heavy-handed tactics to silence critics.

Lissu’s Legal Battle and Election Dispute

Lissu, CHADEMA’s leader and a runner-up in the 2020 presidential election, was arrested earlier this month and charged with treason on April 10. Prosecutors allege he incited rebellion in a speech urging disruptions to the upcoming elections. He has not been allowed to enter a plea on the treason charge but pleaded not guilty to a separate count of publishing false information.

On Thursday, Lissu refused to participate in a virtual court hearing, arguing that the format violated his right to a fair trial. The hearing was adjourned to May 6, according to his lawyer. Rupia criticized the decision to hold proceedings remotely, saying it “infringes upon the rights of the accused.”

CHADEMA, recently barred from contesting the October elections after refusing to sign an electoral code of conduct, has accused President Samia Suluhu Hassan of reverting to the authoritarian tactics of her predecessor, John Magufuli. The party claims the code is unconstitutional and designed to ensure the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), remains in power.

Lissu, a lawyer and former parliamentarian, has survived multiple arrests and a 2017 assassination attempt in which he was shot 16 times. After losing the 2020 election, he fled the country but returned in 2023 amid hopes of political reforms under Hassan. However, those expectations have faded as repression against opposition figures has intensified.

CHADEMA has vowed not to participate in the elections without significant electoral reforms, including an independent electoral commission and safeguards against fraud. Rights groups and Western governments have raised concerns over Tanzania’s deteriorating democratic climate, citing arrests, abductions, and killings of opposition members.

In Dar es Salaam, police barricaded the courthouse as protesters gathered outside.