Tanzania Opposition Leader Tundu Lissu Charged With Treason

Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu has been formally charged with treason following his arrest after a political rally in southern Tanzania. The charges relate to his nationwide “No Reforms, No Election” campaign demanding electoral changes ahead of October’s presidential vote, where he was expected to challenge President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Political Tensions Escalate

President Hassan, who assumed power in 2021 following the death of her predecessor John Magufuli, initially gained praise for reversing some authoritarian policies but has recently faced criticism for targeting opposition figures. Lissu, a survivor of a 2017 assassination attempt, has previously fled Tanzania twice due to election disputes and safety concerns.

During Lissu’s arrest, police used tear gas to disperse his supporters, drawing condemnation from human rights organizations who accused the government of suppressing dissent. The case has been adjourned until April 24.

Zimbabwe: 95 Protesters Denied Bail

In neighboring Zimbabwe, a Harare magistrate denied bail to 95 individuals arrested for allegedly organizing anti-government protests on March 31. Authorities claim the protesters planned to march to the State House demanding President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s removal.

The court ruled the defendants posed a security risk and might reoffend if released. Prosecutors cited protesters’ chants of “Mnangagwa must go” and alleged acts of violence including stone-throwing and barricade-building as evidence of intent to destabilize the government.

South Sudan Faces Renewed Conflict Threat

South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, stands on the brink of renewed civil war as political tensions between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar escalate. The 2018 peace agreement has collapsed, with fighting reported in Upper Nile region and near the capital Juba.

The crisis deepened following Machar’s detention and his faction’s withdrawal from peace processes, accusing the government of targeted arrests. Despite African Union mediation attempts, the situation remains volatile.

Kenya: Tear Gas Disrupts School Play

A Kenyan high school drama competition took an unexpected turn when police fired tear gas to disperse crowds gathered to watch “Echoes of War,” a controversial play drawing parallels to recent youth-led tax protests. The play, written by former senator Cleophas Malala, was initially disqualified before being reinstated by court order.

Malala was prevented by police from meeting performers for final rehearsals, prompting students to boycott the performance in protest. The Education Ministry has launched an investigation into the incident.

PEPFAR Cuts Endanger South Africa’s HIV Response

New research warns that U.S. PEPFAR funding cuts could lead to 150,000-295,000 additional HIV infections and 56,000-65,000 deaths in South Africa by 2028. The University of Cape Town and Wits University study projects antiretroviral coverage could drop from 78% to 59-70% without the R7.5-billion annual support.

The funding suspension has already forced clinic closures and health worker layoffs. While some CDC grants have resumed following a court ruling, the program’s long-term future remains uncertain.

Source: AllAfrica