Latest news with #TunduLissu
Globe and Mail
a day ago
- Politics
- Globe and Mail
Leader of Tanzania's main opposition party could face death penalty
The security at the court building was extraordinary: a rooftop sniper, police with dogs and tear-gas launchers, vans with darkened windows, and a small army of black-masked guards with armoured jackets and submachine guns. But the defendant in the courtroom is not a dangerous terrorist. He is a politician, a leader of Tanzania's main opposition party who faces a highly organized operation to prevent him from running in this year's election. Tundu Lissu, chairman of the Chadema party, is on trial for treason − a charge that carries the death penalty. His prosecution, protested by human-rights groups around the world, exposes the sharp decline of democracy in a country that Western donors have long favoured with billions of dollars in aid. Mr. Lissu has endured countless arrests and attacks over the past decade. In 2017, gunmen with assault rifles sprayed dozens of bullets at his vehicle, nearly killing him. After three years in exile and a long recovery in hospital from 16 bullet wounds, he returned fearlessly to politics, contesting Tanzania's 2020 election as an opposition candidate and finishing second in official results. This year, Tanzania's authoritarian government seems determined to prevent him from running again. His party has been banned from the October election after authorities accused it of failing to accept an electoral code of conduct. Many of its top officials, along with other activists, have been arrested or harassed in recent weeks. And now, Mr. Lissu faces a potential death sentence. He was arrested in April after he called for reforms in Tanzania's electoral system. 'This is not a normal trial,' the 57-year-old politician told the judge at his latest hearing on Monday. 'I have not been sentenced, yet I am held in the death-row block. I am watched night and day. I cannot speak to my lawyers in private. Not a single private conversation has been allowed.' From 2020: Gunshots and tear gas fail to deter Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu He described how two guards keep him under constant watch, day and night. He is even barred from joining other detainees in the prison's exercise yard. Instead, he is required to walk alone in a dirty drainage-ditch area. Because his conversations with his lawyers are closely monitored, Mr. Lissu told the court that it is impossible for him to discuss strategy with them and he will be obliged to defend himself without any lawyers. Wearing a shirt emblazoned with the opposition slogan – 'No reforms, no election' – he smiled and flashed a victory sign at local reporters. Outside the court, his supporters chanted his name and waved placards demanding justice, but their voices were nearly drowned out by police sirens. Most of his supporters were denied permission to enter the crowded courtroom. A senior Tanzanian official told The Globe and Mail that the government's goal is to keep Mr. Lissu in prison until after the October election, to prevent him from running. After the vote, he will be quietly released, the official said. The Globe is not identifying the official because he could face retribution from the authorities for speaking out. Tanzania has been governed by a single party since its independence in 1961. The ruling party, today known as Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM, the Revolutionary Party), has dominated all aspects of Tanzanian life and rarely tolerates much dissent. Its opponents have accused it of rigging recent elections to deliver huge majorities to CCM. Freedom House, a U.S.-based democracy and rights group, recently announced that it had downgraded Tanzania's status from 'partly free' to 'not free' because of the government's repressive measures. Despite this, Tanzania has remained a Western aid darling, and one of the largest recipients of Canadian foreign aid. Canada has provided $3.4-billion in international assistance to Tanzania since its independence, including $141-million in 2023-24, according to data from Global Affairs Canada. As the election approaches, a growing number of opposition politicians and activists have been kidnapped in what amount to 'enforced disappearances,' according to a report by United Nations human-rights experts. They described it as 'a flagrant tactic to suppress dissent.' In one of the most shocking cases, two activists from Kenya and Uganda who tried to attend Mr. Lissu's treason trial were arrested and disappeared for days. They were later dumped in remote border towns. Both gave detailed accounts of how they were tortured and sexually assaulted by Tanzanian security agents. Even churches have fallen victim to the crackdown. This month, authorities ordered the shutdown of a prominent church and arrested a dozen of its worshippers after its bishop criticized the disappearance of opposition activists. The bishop, Josephat Gwajima, is an outspoken MP who has complained of 'creeping authoritarianism' in the country. Witnesses described how police raided the church, even arresting a disabled woman in a wheelchair, dragging her away and throwing her into a police vehicle. Mr. Gwajima has fled into hiding, leaving a prerecorded sermon in which he says: 'They can shut down the church, but they cannot shut down the people's spirit.' Last Sunday, hundreds of his followers held a defiant outdoor service. 'We are not criminals,' said Rehema Moses, a long-time congregant. 'We are citizens exercising our right to believe.'
Al Arabiya
4 days ago
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
Tanzanian Opposition Leader to Represent Himself in Treason Trial
The main opposition leader in Tanzania was granted permission on Monday to represent himself in his treason trial after being denied the right to meet his lawyers in private by prison authorities. Tundu Lissu was arrested on April 9 and charged with treason after addressing a public rally calling for electoral reforms ahead of planned general elections in October. Lissu's Chadema party has been critical of the absence of an independent electoral commission and laws that favor the ruling CCM party, which has been in power since Tanzania's independence in 1961. Lissu survived an assassination attempt after being shot 16 times in 2017, three years before the last election. The opposition leader told the court on Monday that he was being forced to speak to his lawyers through a phone in a small room and was worried that anyone could be listening to or recording the conversations. 'I have more than 30 lawyers who I trust very much. Today is the 68th day since I was arraigned and charged with treason, but my lawyers have been repeatedly denied the right to see me in private,' Lissu said. The chief magistrate at the Kisutu court in Dar es Salaam, Franco Kiswaga, said Lissu would be allowed to engage directly with the prosecution unless he later decides otherwise. He urged the prosecution to speed up investigations and set a hearing date for July 1. Lissu also protested what he called a denial of basic rights, including the right to worship. He said he was being held in a section of the prison designated for inmates sentenced to death, even though he has not been convicted. Human rights activists have accused Tanzania's government, led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, of heavy-handed tactics against the opposition. The government denies the claims.
Associated Press
4 days ago
- Politics
- Associated Press
Tanzanian opposition leader to represent himself in treason trial
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania (AP) — The main opposition leader in Tanzania was granted permission on Monday to represent himself in his treason trial after being denied the right to meet his lawyers in private by prison authorities. Tundu Lissu was arrested on April 9 and charged with treason after addressing a public rally calling for electoral reforms ahead of planned general elections in October. Lissu's Chadema party has been critical of the absence of an independent electoral commission and laws that favor the ruling CCM party, which has been in power since Tanzania's independence in 1961. Lissu survived an assassination attempt after being shot 16 times in 2017, three years before the last election. The opposition leader told the court on Monday that he was being forced to speak to his lawyers through a phone in a small room and was worried that anyone could be listening or recording the conversations. 'I have more than 30 lawyers who I trust very much. Today is the 68th day since I was arraigned and charged with treason, but my lawyers have been repeatedly denied the right to see me in private,' Lissu said. The chief magistrate at the Kisutu court in Dar es Salaam, Franco Kiswaga, said Lissu would be allowed to engage directly with the prosecution unless he later decides otherwise. He urged the prosecution to speed up investigations and set a hearing date for July 1. Lissu also protested what he called a denial of basic rights including the right to worship. He said he was being held in a section of the prison designated for inmates sentenced to death, even though he has not been convicted. Human rights activists have accused Tanzania's government, led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, of heavy-handed tactics against the opposition. The government denies the claims.
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
First Post
10-06-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Kenyan and Ugandan Activists Speak About Alleged Sexual Torture in Tanzania Firstpost Africa
Kenyan and Ugandan Activists Speak About Alleged Sexual Torture in Tanzania | Firstpost Africa |N18G Kenyan and Ugandan Activists Speak About Alleged Sexual Torture in Tanzania | Firstpost Africa | N18G Kenyan and Ugandan activists have come forward with chilling allegations of sexual torture during their detention in Tanzania. Both were held in Dar es Salaam after supporting opposition figure Tundu Lissu, who faces treason charges. The activists describe brutal treatment, including abduction from their hotel rooms, intense interrogation, and physical abuse by security forces. Their harrowing accounts highlight growing concerns over political repression and human rights abuses in Tanzania ahead of upcoming elections. Despite these allegations, Tanzanian authorities have not commented. This story sheds light on the risks faced by activists fighting for democracy and justice in the region. See More
