Tanzanian Opposition Leaders Arrested Amid Crackdown on Protests

Police detained Freeman Mbowe and Tundu Lissu along with other Chadema members to prevent a banned demonstration in Dar es Salaam.

Freeman Mbowe and Tundu Lissu, prominent leaders of Tanzania's main opposition party Chadema, were arrested by police on Monday.
The arrests occurred as Chadema planned a protest against alleged killings and abductions of opposition members, despite a police ban on the demonstration.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan's administration is accused of reverting to repressive tactics, reminiscent of her predecessor John Magufuli's rule.
The detentions come ahead of local government elections in November and the general election in October 2025, raising concerns about political freedom in Tanzania.
Riot police deployed across Dar es Salaam and detained 14 people, including journalists covering the protest, as authorities sought to prevent the rally.