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DW
12-06-2025
- Politics
- DW
How tech-savvy Tanzanians are shaping elections – DW – 06/11/2025
Growing frustration, rising political awareness, and ever-present social media are influencing the run-up to Tanzania's October election. And young people are stepping into the spotlight — online and on stage. Tanzania's electoral process faces unprecedented scrutiny, particularly after the arrest of Tundu Lissu, the outspoken leader of the main opposition party CHADEMA (Party for Democracy and Development). His detention on treason charges has ignited a powerful, youth-led national debate centered around the party's provocative slogan: "No Reform, No Election." Debate under charged political climate This heated atmosphere saw DW's Kiswahili-language program "Maoni Mtaani" hold an open debate at St. Augustine University in Mwanza on the shores of Lake Victoria. The event unfolded in collaboration with local partners Radio Free Africa (RFA) and Star TV. The theme for this debate — "Click. Like. Vote: Can social media influence your choice during elections?"— was especially topical considering the current political climate, even though the timing was coincidental. "There is a misconception that politics is a dirty game," said Edwin Odemba, one of the four panelists and host of the Star TV program "Medani za Siasa" ("The World of Politics"). He urged young Tanzanians to reject this notion and instead "participate in the political process through their vote, so that they can be involved in shaping reforms that prioritize their interests." Tanzanian media personality, Meena Ally, centered the debate Image: Daniel Gakuba/DW A tilted playing field Tanzania's October general election is shaping up to be a one-horse race. The ruling CCM party — in power since Tanzania gained independence over 60 years ago — is expected to face no serious challengers. The Tanzania Electoral Commission disqualified Tundu Lissu's CHADEMA party from the 2025 presidential and parliamentary elections, citing the party's failure to sign a mandatory electoral code of conduct agreement by the required deadline. This episode of the "Maoni Mtaani" discussion also gauged the progress young people have made since previous elections — demonstrating greater discernment by voting based on issues rather than the persuasive tactics of politicians. "It's not the same as it was during the last elections," remarked a user on DW Kiswahili's Facebook channel, saying social media now serves both as a key source of information and a space where he can freely share his opinions. Tanzania's opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, is brought to court under tight security ahead of hearings on two charges Image: Florence Majani/DW Social media and the youth vote "The rise of social media platforms has shifted control of the narrative away from politicians, opening the door for young people to shape and share their own stories online," said panelist Charles Maganga from Jamii Africa, a Dar es Salaam-based digital platform that promotes transparency, digital rights, and civic engagement across Africa. In Tanzania, young people have been criticized for not participating fully in the electoral process — from failing to hold elected officials to their campaign promises, not registering as voters, to not running for office themselves. Meena Ally, one of Tanzania's most prominent influencers, said that when youth fail to contribute to the electoral process, they have no one to blame but themselves. "Instead of complaining that policies crafted by the older generation overlook the interests of young people, take action—register to vote, and run for office yourselves," she said. Frustration and free expression Despite repeated calls for them to play an active role in the upcoming elections, young people continue to express frustration — which became clear through their questions during the debate and their comments on social media. "What's the point of casting a ballot when you know your vote will be stolen?" asked one disheartened Instagram user. The issue of freedom of speech in Tanzania also surfaced subtly during the debate: whether young people could truly express themselves freely on social media without fear of reprisal. It proved difficult for the panelists to address. Yet for Edwin Odemba, the answer was clear. Regardless of the prevailing climate around free expression, he insisted: "It is a patriotic duty for the youth to strive to ensure their voices are heard." The event at St. Augustine University saw the venue filled to capacity, with extra screens erected outdoors for a watch party. The debate was livestreamed through DW's Kiswahili Facebook channel, on panelist Meena Ally's Instagram account, Star TV Facebook page, and aired live on Star TV. About 311,000 tuned in or followed the debate on social media. Tanzania's intolerance of transnational activism To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
Straits Times
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Tanzania deports foreign activists supporting detained opposition leader
Supporters of Tanzanian opposition leader and former presidential candidate of CHADEMA party Tundu Lissu, chant slogans as they gather outside the Kisutu Resident Magistrate Court in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania May 19, 2025. REUTERS/Emmanuel Herman/File Photo DAR ES SALAAM - Tanzanian authorities arrested and later deported human rights activists from Kenya and Uganda who had travelled to Dar es Salaam to observe a hearing in the treason case against detained opposition leader Tundu Lissu, advocacy groups said. Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan lawyer Agather Atuhaire went to Dar es Salaam to attend Lissu's first court appearance on Monday in a case that has highlighted what government critics say is a growing crackdown on opponents of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The head of Tanzania's Law Society said on Tuesday that Mwangi and Atuhaire had been deported. "Both individuals have been repatriated under the escort and supervision of officers from the Tanzania Immigration Services Department," Tanzania Law Society President Boniface Mwabukusi said in a statement on his X account. The chief spokesperson for Tanzania's Immigration Services Department, Paul Mselle, said he was not aware of Mwangi and Atuhaire's arrests, but would look into it. He did not respond when sought for comment about their deportations. Spokespeople for the government and police did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment. Lissu, who was shot 16 times in a 2017 attack and came second in Tanzania's last presidential poll, was charged with treason in April over what prosecutors said was a speech calling on the public to rebel and disrupt elections due in October. At Monday's hearing Lissu urged his supporters to have no fear. His lawyer later told reporters that the hearing had been adjourned until June 2. ARRESTS The Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) said in a statement late on Monday that Mwangi and Atuhaire were held at the central police station in Dar es Salaam. It said Mwangi had been arrested on allegations of providing false information to gain entry into the country. It was not clear on what basis Atuhaire had been detained. Mwangi, who helped lead anti-government protests last year in Kenya, posted on X on Monday that men claiming to be police officers had come to his hotel room and that he would go with them once his lawyers arrived. Several other Kenyan human rights activists who had hoped to attend Monday's hearing, including a former justice minister, said in social media posts or interviews that they had been denied entry to Tanzania. President Hassan, who is seeking re-election in October, has said her government is committed to respecting human rights following a series of high-profile arrests of political opponents. But in public remarks on Monday, she warned foreign activists against "invading and interfering in our affairs". Lissu's CHADEMA party has demanded changes to an electoral process they say favours Tanzania's ruling party before they agree to participate in the October ballot. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Tanzanian police arrest foreign activists supporting detained opposition leader
Supporters of Tanzanian opposition leader and former presidential candidate of CHADEMA party Tundu Lissu, chant slogans as they gather outside the Kisutu Resident Magistrate Court in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania May 19, 2025. REUTERS/Emmanuel Herman/File Photo DAR ES SALAAM - Tanzanian police have arrested prominent human rights activists from Kenya and Uganda who had travelled to Dar es Salaam to observe a hearing in the treason case against detained opposition leader Tundu Lissu, an advocacy group said. Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan lawyer Agather Atuhaire went to Tanzania to attend Lissu's first court appearance on Monday in a case that has spotlighted a growing crackdown on opponents of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The chief spokesperson for Tanzania's Immigration Services Department, Paul Mselle, said he was not aware of Mwangi and Atuhaire's arrests, but would look into it. Spokespeople for the government and police did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment. Mwangi and Atuhaire were being held at the central police station in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam, the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) said in a statement. The statement said Mwangi was arrested on allegations of providing false information to gain entry into the country. It was not clear on what basis Atuhaire had been detained. Mwangi, who helped lead anti-government protests last year in Kenya, posted on X on Monday that men claiming to be police officers had come to his hotel room and that he would go with them once his lawyers arrived. Several other Kenyan human rights activists who had come to attend Monday's hearing, including a former justice minister, said in social media posts or interviews that they were denied entry to Tanzania. President Hassan, who is seeking re-election in October, has said her government is committed to respecting human rights following a series of high-profile arrests of political opponents. But in public remarks on Monday, she warned foreign activists against "invading and interfering in our affairs." Lissu, who was shot 16 times in a 2017 attack and came second in the last presidential poll, had refused to participate in a hearing on April 24 because authorities conducted a virtual, rather than an in-person trial. He was charged with treason last month over what prosecutors said was a speech calling on the public to rebel and disrupt the elections. His CHADEMA party has demanded changes to an electoral process they say favours the ruling party before they participate in the ballot. He entered the court on Monday with his fist raised in the air as supporters chanted "No Reforms, No Election." REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Star
20-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Tanzanian police arrest foreign activists supporting detained opposition leader
Supporters of Tanzanian opposition leader and former presidential candidate of CHADEMA party Tundu Lissu, chant slogans as they gather outside the Kisutu Resident Magistrate Court in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania May 19, 2025. REUTERS/Emmanuel Herman/File Photo DAR ES SALAAM (Reuters) -Tanzanian police have arrested prominent human rights activists from Kenya and Uganda who had travelled to Dar es Salaam to observe a hearing in the treason case against detained opposition leader Tundu Lissu, an advocacy group said. Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan lawyer Agather Atuhaire went to Tanzania to attend Lissu's first court appearance on Monday in a case that has spotlighted a growing crackdown on opponents of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The chief spokesperson for Tanzania's Immigration Services Department, Paul Mselle, said he was not aware of Mwangi and Atuhaire's arrests, but would look into it. Spokespeople for the government and police did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment. Mwangi and Atuhaire were being held at the central police station in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam, the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) said in a statement. The statement said Mwangi was arrested on allegations of providing false information to gain entry into the country. It was not clear on what basis Atuhaire had been detained. Mwangi, who helped lead anti-government protests last year in Kenya, posted on X on Monday that men claiming to be police officers had come to his hotel room and that he would go with them once his lawyers arrived. Several other Kenyan human rights activists who had come to attend Monday's hearing, including a former justice minister, said in social media posts or interviews that they were denied entry to Tanzania. President Hassan, who is seeking re-election in October, has said her government is committed to respecting human rights following a series of high-profile arrests of political opponents. But in public remarks on Monday, she warned foreign activists against "invading and interfering in our affairs." Lissu, who was shot 16 times in a 2017 attack and came second in the last presidential poll, had refused to participate in a hearing on April 24 because authorities conducted a virtual, rather than an in-person trial. He was charged with treason last month over what prosecutors said was a speech calling on the public to rebel and disrupt the elections. His CHADEMA party has demanded changes to an electoral process they say favours the ruling party before they participate in the ballot. He entered the court on Monday with his fist raised in the air as supporters chanted "No Reforms, No Election." (Reporting by Nairobi Newsroom; Writing by Hereward Holland; Editing by Aaron Ross and Aidan Lewis)
Straits Times
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Tanzanian opposition leader appears in court for treason trial
Tanzanian opposition leader and former presidential candidate of CHADEMA party Tundu Lissu talks to former Chief Justice of Kenya, Justice David Maraga, inside the Kisutu Resident Magistrate Court in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania May 19, 2025. REUTERS/Emmanuel Herman Tanzanian opposition leader and former presidential candidate of CHADEMA party Tundu Lissu talks to his legal team inside the Kisutu Residents Magistrate Court in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania May 19, 2025. REUTERS/Emmanuel Herman Tanzanian opposition leader and former presidential candidate of CHADEMA party Tundu Lissu waves to his supporters as he arrives at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate Court in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania May 19, 2025. REUTERS/Emmanuel Herman Tanzanian opposition leader and former presidential candidate of CHADEMA party Tundu Lissu gestures to his supporters, at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate Court in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania May 19, 2025. REUTERS/Emmanuel Herman Tanzanian opposition leader and former presidential candidate of CHADEMA party Tundu Lissu holds up constitutional documents at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate Court in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania May 19, 2025. REUTERS/Emmanuel Herman NAIROBI - Tanzania's main opposition leader Tundu Lissu told his supporters to have no fear as he appeared in court on Monday for the first time since his arrest on charges that include treason. Lissu refused to participate in a hearing on April 24 because authorities conducted a virtual, rather than an in-person trial, with him appearing via video link from prison. On Monday he entered the court with his fist raised in the air as supporters chanted "No Reforms, No Election", according to a video of the courtroom shared by his CHADEMA party on X. "We will be fine. You should not fear," Lissu said as he took his place in the dock, waving victory signs. Lissu, who was shot 16 times in a 2017 attack and came second in the last presidential poll, was charged with treason last month over what prosecutors said was a speech calling upon the public to rebel and disrupt elections due in October. A series of high-profile arrests has highlighted the rights record of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who plans to seek re-election. Hassan says the government is committed to respecting human rights. Lissu's CHADEMA party has demanded changes to an electoral process they say favours the ruling party before they participate in the ballot. Several Kenyan rights activists, including a former justice minister, said they were denied entry to Tanzania as they travelled to attend the trial. Kenya's former Justice Minister Martha Karua, a prominent lawyer and opposition politician, and former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga were among those detained when they landed at Tanzania's Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, they said on X. Tanzania's immigration spokesperson Paul Mselle did not immediately respond to requests for comment. "Today was going to be a big day and we went out there in solidarity," Karua told Kenyan broadcaster NTV on Monday after she was denied entry and sent back to Nairobi. "The state cannot be used as a personal tool. You cannot deport people whom you don't like, who are not aligned to your views." Mutunga and rights activist Hussein Khalid were being held in an interrogation room at Julius Nyerere airport on Monday and expected to be deported, Khalid said on X. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
