Tanzanian opposition leader charged with treason Amid election tensions
Tanzanian authorities have escalated their crackdown on dissent after charging prominent opposition leader Tundu Lissu with treason—a move critics describe as politically motivated ahead of October’s presidential election.
The fiery Chadema party leader was arrested Wednesday following a rally in southern Tanzania, where he demanded electoral reforms under the slogan “No Reforms, No Election.”
Prosecutors allege his campaign incites public unrest, while Lissu insists the current electoral commission—appointed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan—guarantees unfair polls.
Lissu’s detention marks a dramatic reversal of Samia’s early promises to ease repression after succeeding the authoritarian John Magufuli in 2021.
His turbulent history includes surviving a 2017 assassination attempt (16 gunshot wounds) and self-imposed exile following disputed 2020 elections.
Police intensified suppression Thursday, firing tear gas to disperse Chadema supporters attempting a press conference.
Legal and rights groups have condemned the charges. The Tanganyika Law Society called the treason accusation—punishable by death—a “blatant abuse of power,” while Amnesty International warned of shrinking democratic space.
