Tanzanian Opposition Leader Tundu Lissu Faces Treason Charges Ahead of 2025 Elections
Amnesty International Calls for Immediate Release
Tanzanian authorities have charged Tundu Lissu, leader of the main opposition Party for Democracy and Progress (Chadema), with treason following his arrest on April 9, 2025. Amnesty International has condemned the arrest as part of a growing crackdown on opposition figures.
“The Tanzanian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Tundu Lissu whose arbitrary arrest and detention comes amid a growing crackdown on opposition leaders ahead of the October 2025 general elections,” said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa.
Details of the Arrest and Charges
Tundu Lissu was arrested after holding a political rally in Mbinga town, southwest Tanzania. Police reportedly used excessive force during the arrest, firing teargas and shooting in the air to disperse supporters.
The treason charges relate to social media posts where Lissu called for an election boycott, citing concerns about potential rigging in the upcoming 2025 elections. Authorities also charged him with three counts of “publication of false information” under cybercrime laws.
Allegations Against Government
In a YouTube post on April 3, 2025, Lissu accused Tanzanian police of electoral malpractices allegedly ordered by the president following the November 2024 local elections. He also claimed judicial independence was compromised by ruling party influence.
Escalating Crackdown on Opposition
The case occurs amid increasing reports of repression against government critics:
- Four government critics forcibly disappeared in 2024
- One opposition member unlawfully killed
- Police preventing opposition meetings and political gatherings
- Mass arrests and arbitrary detentions reported
Notable Cases of Disappearances
Several Chadema members have faced violent targeting:
- Dioniz Kipanya disappeared after phone call with unidentified person (July 26, 2024)
- Two youth activists and taxi driver abducted by suspected police (August 18, 2024)
- Senior member Ali Mohamed Kibao found dead after abduction; body showed signs of torture (September 8, 2024)
Next Steps in Legal Process
Tundu Lissu is scheduled to appear before Kisitu Magistrates Court in Dar es Salaam on April 24, 2025. The treason charge is non-bailable under Tanzanian law.
Source: Original report on AllAfrica