Tanzania opposition leaders detained on Thursday as political tensions continue to escalate ahead of national elections. Police arrested CHADEMA Deputy Chairperson John Heche and Secretary General John Mnyika while they were driving to Kisutu Magistrate Court in Dar es Salaam for a hearing involving party leader Tundu Lissu.
According to party spokesperson Brenda Rupia, the two were stopped and taken into custody without clear explanation. “We are continuing to witness grave violations of human rights, civic freedom, and rule of law in our country,” she posted on X. “We won’t allow our nation to return to the darkness of fear, threats, and oppression.”
So far, police have not issued an official statement. Reuters contacted them for comment, but there was no response.
Meanwhile, Tundu Lissu refused to attend the hearing after authorities arranged a virtual court session. He remained in prison and appeared via video link instead of being brought physically to court. Rupia said this move violated Lissu’s legal rights and undermined fair trial standards.
“The refusal to bring Lissu physically to court infringes upon the rights of the accused,” she added.
Jebra Kambole, Lissu’s lawyer, confirmed the court has postponed the hearing to May 6.
Earlier this month, prosecutors charged Lissu with treason. They claim he delivered a speech encouraging the public to rebel and disrupt the upcoming October 2025 elections. Although the court blocked him from entering a plea for treason, he pleaded not guilty to a separate charge of publishing false information.
Shortly after the charges, the Tanzania Electoral Commission disqualified CHADEMA from contesting the elections. Officials said the party failed to sign the election code of conduct on time. In response, CHADEMA called the move unconstitutional and threatened to boycott the polls unless electoral reforms take place.
These events have sparked growing concern about President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s human rights record. Although she previously vowed to uphold civil liberties and launched investigations into past abductions, critics say the recent arrests contradict that commitment.
Lissu’s situation continues to attract attention. In 2017, gunmen shot him 16 times, nearly killing him. He later returned from exile to contest the 2020 presidential elections, where he emerged as the runner-up.
His current legal battle—combined with CHADEMA’s exclusion—adds pressure on the government as the election season nears. Many observers now question whether Tanzania’s political space is truly open.
