Tanzanian Opposition Leader Tundu Lissu Faces Treason Charges Amid Crackdown On Dissent

 

Tanzania’s main opposition figure, Tundu Lissu, appeared in court on Monday for the first time since his arrest, telling his supporters to remain fearless despite facing treason charges.

Lissu, a senior leader in the CHADEMA party, had previously refused to participate in a virtual court hearing on April 24, objecting to the use of a video link from prison rather than a physical appearance in court.

On Monday, Lissu entered the courtroom with his fist raised, greeted by chants of “No Reforms, No Election” from supporters. A video shared by CHADEMA showed him flashing victory signs and saying, “We will be fine. You should not fear.”

Lissu was charged with treason last month following a speech that authorities claim incited rebellion and aimed to disrupt Tanzania’s upcoming general elections in October. He has denied the charges, which come amid increasing scrutiny of the government's handling of political dissent.

Lissu survived an assassination attempt in 2017—he was shot 16 times—and later returned to politics, finishing second in the 2020 presidential election. His latest arrest has amplified concerns over the political climate under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who is expected to run for re-election.

Despite pledges by President Hassan to uphold human rights, a wave of politically motivated arrests has raised alarm among human rights advocates and the international community.

CHADEMA continues to demand reforms to the electoral system, which it argues heavily favors the ruling party. The party has warned it may boycott the October elections unless meaningful changes are implemented.

Tensions surrounding Lissu’s trial intensified after several Kenyan human rights activists and legal experts were blocked from entering Tanzania. Among them were Kenya’s former Justice Minister Martha Karua and former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, who said they were detained upon arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam and subsequently deported.

“Today was going to be a big day and we went out there in solidarity,” Karua told Kenya’s NTV after being sent back to Nairobi. “The state cannot be used as a personal tool. You cannot deport people whom you don’t like, who are not aligned to your views.”

Activist Hussein Khalid, who was also detained, said on social media that he and others were being held in an interrogation room and were expecting deportation.

Tanzania’s immigration authorities have yet to respond to inquiries about the incident.

Lissu’s case has become a flashpoint in Tanzania’s political landscape, symbolizing broader concerns over democracy, freedom of expression, and the rule of law in the East African nation.