Tanzania’s political landscape has been shaken following the arrest and prosecution of CHADEMA party leader, Hon. Tundu Antiphas Lissu, who now faces treason charges stemming from remarks made during a recent political rally in the southern Ruvuma region.
Lissu was brought before the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court in Dar es Salaam on April 10, 2025, where he was officially charged with publishing false information and treason—a charge that, under Tanzanian law, is not eligible for bail. His attorney, Jebra Kambole, confirmed that Lissu denied the allegation of spreading false information, while the court did not allow a plea for the treason charge.
The charges are linked to a video Lissu shared on YouTube on April 3, 2025, in which he criticized the country's electoral system and accused the judiciary and police of misconduct. The government claims these statements were misleading and amounted to incitement.
The arrest took place shortly after Lissu held a rally in Mbinga District as part of CHADEMA’s ongoing campaign titled “No Reforms, No Elections,” demanding electoral changes ahead of Tanzania’s upcoming October 2025 general elections. The incident has sparked sharp reactions both locally and abroad, particularly concerning the country's treatment of opposition figures under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration.
In response to Lissu’s arrest, the Democracy Union of Africa (DUA) issued a press release (Ref: DUA/TZ-TL/25/001) on April 11, 2025, calling for his immediate and unconditional release. The organization described the charges as “politically motivated” and warned of the broader implications for democratic governance across Africa.
“Charging an opposition leader with treason for advocating electoral reforms is a direct assault on political freedoms, not just in Tanzania, but across the African continent,” the statement read.
DUA urged the African Union (AU), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and democratic governments worldwide to intervene swiftly and speak out against what they described as a gross violation of democratic principles and Tanzania’s constitutional rights to free expression and assembly.
Lissu, a prominent lawyer and former Member of Parliament, has long been an outspoken advocate for democratic reform. He survived an assassination attempt in 2017 and has since remained a critical voice in Tanzanian politics. His call for reforms and threats to boycott the 2025 elections unless electoral systems are overhauled have intensified political tensions in the country.
With international eyes now on Tanzania, observers are waiting to see whether growing global pressure will influence the government's next steps or whether this marks a deeper slide away from democratic norms.
Sources:
Democracy Union of Africa (DUA) Press Release, April 11, 2025
Original report by Joy Cheptoo
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