Rights groups raise alarm over shrinking political space as arrest of opposition leader deepens concerns over election credibility.
Mbinga, Tanzania – April 10, 2025 – Prominent Tanzanian opposition figure Tundu Lissu was arrested on Wednesday after addressing a political rally in the southern district of Mbinga, his party confirmed, sparking a wave of condemnation and growing fears about the state of political freedoms in the lead-up to the country’s upcoming general elections.
The arrest, which occurred shortly after Lissu concluded his speech at a campaign-style gathering, was announced in a statement by Chadema, Tanzania’s main opposition party. “So far, the exact reasons for his arrest have not been made clear,” the party said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “Party leaders are closely monitoring the situation to determine the reasons for his arrest and his current whereabouts.”
Lissu, a vocal government critic and former presidential candidate, has long been at the center of Tanzania’s democratic struggle. His detention is the latest in a series of incidents that human rights organizations say signal a deteriorating political climate in the East African nation.
Escalating Crackdown on Opposition
The arrest comes at a time when tensions are escalating nationwide. Over recent months, there has been a noticeable uptick in state pressure on political opponents, activists, and dissenting voices. At least five opposition figures have been detained or questioned by police since January, according to legal observers and local media reports.
“This is a continuation of a broader pattern of intimidation,” said Fatma Karume, a constitutional lawyer and civil rights advocate. “Tundu Lissu’s arrest is not an isolated incident—it is part of a deliberate strategy to suppress dissent and weaken the opposition ahead of elections.”
Authorities have not yet released an official statement explaining Lissu’s detention. However, witnesses at the rally in Mbinga said police surrounded the event shortly after it began and closely monitored participants before moving in to detain Lissu.
Local police have declined to comment when contacted by reporters.
Election Atmosphere Charged with Anxiety
The general election, expected later this year, has already been marred by accusations of unfair practices and biased enforcement of public order laws. Chadema and other opposition parties have launched a series of rallies nationwide, aimed at mobilizing support, pressuring the government for electoral reforms, and highlighting what they describe as a growing democratic deficit under the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party.
“These rallies are not just political events—they are civic exercises,” said Chadema Secretary-General John Mnyika. “We are calling for fair electoral rules, access to media, and the right to assemble. Arresting our leaders sends a clear message that the government is unwilling to engage in a free and fair contest.”
Observers have warned that without reforms to ensure transparency and impartiality in the electoral process, the credibility of the upcoming vote could be seriously undermined.
“Tanzania is at a crossroads,” said Zitto Kabwe, leader of the ACT-Wazalendo party. “Either we choose a democratic path, or we continue sliding into authoritarianism.”
International Concern Mounts
The arrest has drawn attention from international rights groups and foreign diplomats, many of whom have previously raised concerns about the Tanzanian government’s approach to political opposition.
Amnesty International issued a statement late Wednesday calling for Lissu’s immediate release and urging Tanzanian authorities to “uphold fundamental freedoms of expression, assembly, and political participation.”
“The arrest of an opposition leader without clear charges is deeply troubling,” the organization said. “It reflects a broader erosion of democratic norms and violates international human rights obligations.”
The U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam also expressed concern via social media, emphasizing the importance of allowing all political actors to participate freely in the democratic process. “Inclusive, credible elections require respect for the rights of all citizens, including opposition leaders,” the embassy said.
A History of Political Persecution
Tundu Lissu is no stranger to government pressure. In 2017, he survived an assassination attempt after being shot multiple times outside his home. He spent nearly three years in exile in Europe before returning to Tanzania in 2020 to run in the presidential elections against then-incumbent John Magufuli.
Although Magufuli was declared the winner in a landslide, the vote was widely criticized by observers as neither free nor fair. Lissu rejected the results, citing massive irregularities, including voter suppression and violence against opposition supporters.
Since then, Lissu has remained a key opposition voice, challenging what he describes as a “culture of impunity” within Tanzania’s political system.
His continued popularity and outspoken criticism of the government have made him both a symbol of hope for reform-minded Tanzanians and a prime target for political reprisals.
Public Reaction and Future Implications
News of Lissu’s arrest spread quickly on Tanzanian social media platforms, with hashtags such as #FreeLissu and #DemocracyInTanzania trending nationwide. Supporters have planned vigils and peaceful protests in major cities, demanding his release and calling for international intervention.
“It’s a dark day for democracy,” said Zainabu Mashaka, a student activist in Dar es Salaam. “Lissu represents our hope for change. Arresting him is like arresting the future of this country.”
Legal experts warn that unless Lissu is released promptly and without charges, the move could backfire politically, galvanizing opposition supporters and drawing global scrutiny at a time when Tanzania is attempting to attract foreign investment and repair its international image.
The Road Ahead
As the election season heats up, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the trajectory of Tanzania’s democratic experiment. The fate of opposition leaders like Tundu Lissu will likely serve as a barometer for the country’s political climate—and its readiness for a truly participatory and transparent electoral process.
For now, many eyes remain fixed on Mbinga, where a political rally turned into a flashpoint in the struggle for democratic space in one of East Africa’s most strategically significant nations.
