On May 19, 2025, Tundu Lissu, Tanzania’s primary opposition leader, walked into a courtroom. He was in the midst of treason charges for a dangerous speech he had given, what was–possibly treasonous No. The criminal trial was conducted at Dar es Salaam’s Kisutu magistrate’s court. Outside, Lissu stood with his fist held high in solidarity as supporters called for, “No Reforms, No Election.” This incident is a powerful reminder of the rising political tensions between the opposition and the ruling party as they approach national elections in 2024.
Just last month, prosecutors charged Lissu with inciting rebellion and undermining the elections that are expected to be held this October. His comments in an official speech were seen as incitement to insurrection against the state. Human rights organizations have denounced these charges in vehement terms. They criticize the repressive political climate under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government.
In the courtroom, Lissu confronted the court with fierce contempt. He has heroically lived through an assassination attempt, when he was shot 16 times back in 2017. He promised his supporters, “It’s going to be OK. You don’t have to be afraid.” As he settled in to sit in the dock, he shot victory signs with confidence. His resilience serves to illuminate not just his own indomitable spirit, but the larger cause of Tanzania’s fight for political reform.
The opposition leader who missed the last full committee markup surprise on April 24. He didn’t want to go along with the unfair virtual trial format, which he believed masked essential sociopolitical dynamics. Rather than being physically present, as he should have been, Lissu joined the hearing through a video call from his prison cell. This decision upholds his legacy of speaking out for a more open and fair electoral process.
Lissu’s political party, CHADEMA, has been campaigning intensively for reforms. They contend that the electoral system is rigged in favor of the ruling party. The party’s approach to the position has resulted in an election boycott until there is meaningful reform. Their joint statements and actions put a spotlight on the need for integrity and fairness in Tanzania’s electoral processes and political environment.
The courtroom proceedings drew the attention of many fellow human rights activists, notably including many Kenyans. Yet many, including a former justice minister, were prevented from entering Tanzania to monitor the trial. This decision has animated new debate about the quality of civil liberties in the shadow of President Hassan’s administration.
Martha Karua, a prominent Kenyan activist, criticized the Tanzanian government’s actions, stating, “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.” Her comments are indicative of a rising alarm among international leaders about Tanzania’s poor human rights history.
