Tanzanian police have detained prominent opposition leader Tundu Lissu and two officials from the Chadema party, as confirmed by the party itself. The arrests occurred on Sunday in Mbeya, just before the scheduled rally celebrating World Youth Day.
These incidents transpire a year after President Samia Hassan lifted restrictions on opposition gatherings, promising a restoration of competitive politics. However, police prohibited the Chadema rally, citing concerns of potential violence, referencing the party’s call for unity reminiscent of the recent anti-government protests in neighboring Kenya.
Following the arrests, Chadema officials expressed uncertainty over the location of their detained leaders. Police have yet to issue an official statement regarding the matter. Reports indicate that several groups of youths traveling in hired buses were also apprehended and escorted back to their regions under armed protection.
The Chadema party anticipated around 10,000 young participants for the Mbeya event, themed “Take charge of your future.” However, law enforcement declared that no gatherings would be permitted in the city or throughout the nation.
Chadema officials reported that approximately 100 party members were detained in the nearby town of Iringa but were subsequently released and sent back to their origins. The party has strongly condemned the arrests, with chairman Freeman Mbowe demanding the immediate release of detained leaders and supporters.
Notably, Tundu Lissu returned to Tanzania last year after two years in exile, having survived an assassination attempt in 2017. His return followed President Samia’s lift of the political rally ban imposed by former President John Magufuli in 2016, which had restricted political parties from engaging in rallies and internal activities.
Since taking office in 2021, President Samia, who succeeded the late Magufuli, has been commended for distancing herself from many of her predecessor’s policies. However, the recent arrests have led to criticism from opposition figures, who argue she is not yet committed to fostering political reconciliation.
As Tanzania prepares for presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for late next year, the political landscape remains tense and uncertain.
