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Tanzania Charges Hundreds With Treason, Issues Warrants for Senior Opposition Figures

The move follows a contested election that African Union observers deemed noncompliant with democratic standards.

Mourners gather for the funeral of someone who died during post-electoral violence in Arusha, Tanzania, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. (AP Photo)
FILE - Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan appears in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House campus on April 15, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)
A police officer stands at the door during the counting of votes at Haile Selassie polling station in Zanzibar, Tanzania, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

Overview

  • Police named Chadema officials Brenda Rupia and John Mnyika on a wanted list, while party leader Tundu Lissu remains jailed on treason charges.
  • Authorities and court documents indicate hundreds have now been charged with treason, with dozens arraigned in Dar es Salaam and additional cases filed in other regions.
  • Official results gave President Samia Suluhu Hassan more than 97% of the vote after major opposition contenders were barred from the ballot, and she was sworn in earlier this week.
  • The African Union reported ballot stuffing and instances of multiple ballots being issued, concluding the process fell short of its principles and obligations.
  • The death toll from the crackdown is disputed, with Chadema alleging over 1,000 killed and the Catholic Church saying hundreds were likely, as the government rejects the claims and reports describe a six-day internet shutdown.