Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu faces treason charges that could bring the death penalty. He survived sixteen gunshots during a 2017 murder attempt. The government arrested him two weeks ago for allegedly calling people to rebel against the upcoming October elections. His party, Chadema, cannot join these elections after refusing to sign an official code of conduct. Armed police surrounded the courthouse on Thursday, where his case continued without him present.
Lissu took control of Chadema from Freeman Mbowe, whom he thought was not tough enough against the government. He traveled across Tanzania, telling people that no reforms meant no elections. He believes the current system helps only the ruling CCM party, which has won every election since Tanzania became independent. Some members of his party disagree with his approach. Another opposition group called ACT-Wazalendo signed the code along with sixteen smaller parties.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan gave more political freedom when she replaced John Magufuli, who died in 2021. But human rights groups say Tanzania shows signs of returning to harsh practices. The Catholic Church asked officials to free Lissu. His lawyer, Robert Amsterdam, says they want a truly independent election commission written into the constitution. The opposition wants authorities to prove that elections happen fairly when disputes arise.
Political experts doubt these changes can happen before October. The current parliament ends in June, leaving almost no time for legal reforms. If Chadema stays out of elections, the ruling party might win even more seats than before. Chadema risks losing its position as the main opposition party, but Lissu seems willing to take this chance. Lissu told reporters earlier that nothing comes easily when fighting for democracy.
Lissu took control of Chadema from Freeman Mbowe, whom he thought was not tough enough against the government. He traveled across Tanzania, telling people that no reforms meant no elections. He believes the current system helps only the ruling CCM party, which has won every election since Tanzania became independent. Some members of his party disagree with his approach. Another opposition group called ACT-Wazalendo signed the code along with sixteen smaller parties.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan gave more political freedom when she replaced John Magufuli, who died in 2021. But human rights groups say Tanzania shows signs of returning to harsh practices. The Catholic Church asked officials to free Lissu. His lawyer, Robert Amsterdam, says they want a truly independent election commission written into the constitution. The opposition wants authorities to prove that elections happen fairly when disputes arise.
Political experts doubt these changes can happen before October. The current parliament ends in June, leaving almost no time for legal reforms. If Chadema stays out of elections, the ruling party might win even more seats than before. Chadema risks losing its position as the main opposition party, but Lissu seems willing to take this chance. Lissu told reporters earlier that nothing comes easily when fighting for democracy.
