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2w ago

Tanzanian Opposition Leader Faces Treason Trial as Senior Party Officials Detained

Tundu Lissu appeared in court on treason and false information charges, while two Chadema leaders were detained en route to the hearing, escalating the crackdown on opposition ahead of October elections.

FILE - Exiled Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu gives an interview to The Associated Press in Tienen, Belgium on Friday, March 19, 2021. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)
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Overview

  • Tundu Lissu, leader of the opposition Chadema party, appeared in court on April 24, 2025, facing treason and false information charges, with no option for bail.
  • Chadema Deputy Chairperson John Heche and Secretary General John Mnyika were detained by police while traveling to support Lissu at his hearing in Dar es Salaam.
  • The treason charge against Lissu carries a potential death penalty, stemming from a speech allegedly calling for rebellion and election disruption.
  • Chadema has been disqualified from participating in the October 2025 elections after refusing to sign an electoral code of conduct, which the party claims is unconstitutional.
  • International organizations, including Amnesty International, have condemned the government’s actions, calling for Lissu’s immediate release and highlighting concerns over democratic backsliding and human rights violations in Tanzania.