Tanzania Opposition Leader Tundu Lissu Charged with Treason Amid Electoral Reform Push

Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu has been charged with treason following his arrest on Wednesday, a move that has intensified concerns about political repression in the lead-up to the country’s general elections scheduled for October.

Lissu, a prominent figure in the opposition Chadema party, appeared before a magistrate’s court in Dar es Salaam on Thursday to face the charges. His arrest came shortly after he held a rally in southern Tanzania as part of his nationwide campaign for electoral reforms, which operates under the slogan: “No Reforms, No Election.”

The treason charge, authorities say, is linked to what they describe as attempts to incite the public against the scheduled elections. Lissu, however, has consistently maintained that the current electoral framework cannot guarantee free and fair elections without significant reform, particularly in the structure and independence of the electoral commission—currently composed of members appointed directly by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Lissu’s legal team has denied the allegations, calling the charges politically motivated. Human rights groups and legal associations have also condemned the arrest and the police crackdown on Chadema supporters, describing the actions as an abuse of state power and a violation of democratic principles.

Earlier Thursday, police fired tear gas to disperse party supporters and blocked Chadema leaders from holding a press conference on the arrest. Supporters expressed defiance in the face of growing intimidation.

“We are surprised that the police are harassing us when our rallies are peaceful,” one Chadema supporter told the BBC. “We know the ruling party, CCM, is behind all this. We will fight for changes before elections.”

Lissu has been a long-time critic of government overreach and has survived multiple arrests. In 2017, during the administration of the late President John Magufuli, he narrowly survived an assassination attempt in which he was shot 16 times. He spent years in exile before returning in 2020 to run for president and again in 2023 after President Samia lifted some restrictions on opposition activity.

President Samia, who initially drew praise for softening the authoritarian tone set by her predecessor, now faces growing criticism from activists and opposition figures who accuse her administration of backsliding on democratic promises.

Lissu’s treason case has been adjourned until 24 April.