Tanzanian Police Arrest Leaders of the Opposition on Their Way to Court

A CHADEMA official is among two opposition figures who have been arrested by Tanzanian police while they are en route to a court appearance. 

Tanzanian police arrested two top opposition figures Thursday while they were traveling to a court hearing for treason-charged party leader Tundu Lissu. On their way to Kisutu Magistrate Court in Dar es Salaam, the detained individuals—ChADEMA party Deputy Chairperson John Heche and Secretary General John Mnyika—were arrested. Brenda Rupia, a party spokesman, verified the arrests.

Since a police spokeswoman did not immediately reply to demands for information, it is still unknown why they were arrested. The handling of opposition figures in Tanzania, where political tensions have been rising, has come under scrutiny due to the detentions.

Prosecutors have charged major opposition leader and 2020 presidential runner-up Tundu Lissu with treason after he allegedly addressed the public in a speech calling for rebellion and disruption of the October election. Lissu has been denied the opportunity to enter a plea to the charges, which have brought the government’s management of political dissent into sharp focus.

The case has brought President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s human rights record—who is running for reelection—even more attention. Although Hassan has frequently declared that her government is dedicated to upholding human rights, detractors contend that the accusations against Lissu and the recent arrests of opposition figures run counter to these assertions.

Opposition parties and international observers are keenly monitoring the government’s handling of political opponents and its stance on free speech and political expression as tensions increase in the run-up to the next presidential election.