Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu has been charged with treason, one day after his arrest following a rally in the southern part of the country. The charges stem from his nationwide “No Reforms, No Election” campaign, which authorities claim incites public opposition to the upcoming October elections.
Lissu, who leads the Chadema party, has been advocating for substantial electoral reforms before Tanzanians go to the polls later this year, when he is expected to challenge incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan. His campaign specifically targets the composition of the electoral commission, arguing that it should not include presidential appointees.
This latest legal challenge comes at a critical juncture in Tanzania’s political landscape. When President Samia took office in 2021 following the death of her predecessor John Magufuli, she initially garnered praise for reversing some of his authoritarian policies. However, her administration has since faced criticism as opposition figures have experienced arrests and alleged abductions.
Lissu has a history of persecution under previous administrations. In 2017, during Magufuli’s presidency, he survived an assassination attempt where he was shot 16 times, prompting him to seek exile abroad. He briefly returned in 2020 to contest elections against Magufuli but left again after citing electoral irregularities.
Following reforms introduced by President Samia that promised greater political freedom, Lissu returned to Tanzania in 2023.
Tensions escalated Thursday when police dispersed Chadema supporters with tear gas as they attempted to hold a press conference regarding Lissu’s arrest.
“We are surprised that the police are harassing us when our rallies are peaceful,” one supporter told the BBC. “We know the ruling party, CCM, is behind all this. We will fight for changes before elections.”
Rights groups have condemned the government’s actions, with a lawyers’ association characterizing Lissu’s arrest as an abuse of power reflecting a lack of political tolerance.
Lissu’s treason case has been adjourned until April 24.