Human rights organizations are raising alarm over what they call an intensifying crackdown on political opposition in Tanzania, following the treason charges levied against opposition leader Tundu Lissu, as reported by the Associated Press. The government’s recent actions—framed by critics as politically motivated—have sparked widespread condemnation both at home and abroad, heightening fears of democratic backsliding ahead of the country’s 2025 general elections.
Lissu, a former Member of Parliament and presidential candidate, has long been one of the most prominent critics of CCM. Known for his sharp rhetoric and unflinching advocacy for electoral reform, Lissu survived an assassination attempt in 2017 before going into exile. He returned to Tanzania in early 2023, declaring a renewed push for democratic change and electoral transparency.
His party, CHADEMA, remains the country’s largest opposition force, though it has faced years of state-led intimidation, arrests, and harassment under both current and previous administrations.
The Treason Charge: A Rally Turns Into a Legal Firestorm
The current storm erupted after a CHADEMA rally in Arusha, where Lissu called for “genuine free and fair elections” and warned of potential unrest if reforms weren’t made. Days later, he was charged with treason, a capital offense in Tanzania’s penal code.
The situation escalated further when two CHADEMA officials, Peter Kileo and Janeth Mbowe, were arrested following the rally. Eyewitnesses reported heavy police deployment, use of tear gas to disperse crowds, and beatings of supporters attempting to protest the arrests.
Local civil society organizations documented several injuries and reported that police refused access to legal counsel for the detained officials. “What happened in Arusha is not law enforcement—it’s state-sanctioned repression,” said a representative from the Legal and Human Rights Centre.
A Chilling Pattern Ahead of 2025
The timing of the crackdown is no coincidence, observers say. With the October 2025 elections approaching, the ruling party has increased surveillance of opposition events, disrupted rallies, and arrested vocal critics—tactics reminiscent of the 2020 elections, which were marred by widespread reports of irregularities and repression.
“Every time the opposition organizes, the state responds with force,” noted one political analyst. “This creates a climate of fear that distorts the democratic process before it even begins.”
Legal Violations Under the African Charter
Tanzania’s actions are not only politically troubling—they may also breach binding international law. As a signatory to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the country is obligated to uphold:
-
Article 9: Freedom of expression, violated by criminalizing political speech.
-
Article 10: Freedom of association, undermined through harassment of opposition members.
-
Article 11: Freedom of assembly, curbed through the violent breakup of peaceful rallies.
-
Article 7: Right to a fair trial, compromised by judicial interference and politicized prosecutions.
Despite these commitments, enforcement remains weak across the region, often leaving violators unaccountable.
Tepid Regional and Global Response
So far, the African Union, East African Community, and Southern African Development Community (SADC) have either remained silent or issued lukewarm statements urging “dialogue.” Human rights advocates say this lack of robust regional condemnation enables further repression.
However, pressure is mounting from global watchdogs and some foreign governments. Several EU diplomats have reportedly raised the issue behind closed doors, urging Tanzanian authorities to guarantee political freedoms and uphold democratic standards.
