Tundu Lissu, the prominent Tanzanian opposition figure, has been found guilty of inciting treason by the High Court in Dar es Salaam. The verdict, delivered by a three-judge panel, has sparked concerns about the state of political freedoms in the East African nation. Lissu, who has been in detention since April last year, was convicted over statements made during his campaign for electoral reforms ahead of the disputed 2025 general election. He was acquitted of the more serious charge of treason, which carries the death penalty.
Background and Charges
The 58-year-old leader of the Chadema party has consistently denied the charges, labeling them as politically motivated. Prosecutors accused him of inciting the public to disrupt the election and threaten the government through remarks that were also circulated online. Lissu, a lawyer who represented himself during the trial, argued that his comments were part of a legitimate push for constitutional and electoral reform, and that they were taken out of context.
His arrest in October 2024 came six months before the election, shortly after he launched a campaign under the slogan "No Reforms, No Election," demanding changes to the electoral system. The demands included independent appointment of electoral commissioners, freedom for all parties to campaign without intimidation, and the ability to challenge presidential election results in court.
Election and Aftermath
President Samia Suluhu Hassan won the October 2025 election with 98% of the vote, a result that the opposition dismissed as a "mockery" of democracy. Her two main challengers, including Lissu, were excluded from the race. The government has repeatedly denied targeting its opponents. The election was followed by widespread protests and a violent security crackdown that left at least 500 people dead, according to an official inquiry. Opposition groups claim the death toll was higher and have demanded an independent investigation.
President Samia, 66, has insisted the election was fair and transparent, blaming foreigners for the unrest and describing it as part of a plot to overthrow her. She has set up a commission to investigate the violence.
Lissu's Political Journey
Lissu has long been a vocal critic of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, which has dominated Tanzanian politics since independence. He first became an MP in 2010. In September 2017, he narrowly survived an assassination attempt when gunmen sprayed his vehicle with bullets outside his home in Dodoma. He was shot multiple times and required extensive medical treatment abroad. The perpetrators have never been brought to justice.
He returned to Tanzania in 2023 after President Samia lifted a ban on opposition rallies, a move initially seen as a sign of political openness. However, relations between the government and opposition deteriorated as the 2025 election approached. Lissu became Chadema's national chairman in January 2025 and intensified his calls for electoral reforms.
International Concerns
During his detention at Ukonga Prison, Lissu went on two brief hunger strikes, protesting restricted access to his lawyers and relatives. He also claimed that guards monitored his private consultations with lawyers, allegations denied by prison authorities. His case has drawn international attention, with rights groups expressing alarm over the treatment of opposition politicians and the shrinking space for dissent. Last week, Amnesty International accused the government of "weaponising counterterrorism laws to silence critics and instil fear." The authorities have not responded to requests for comment.
Lissu has leave to appeal the conviction at the Court of Appeal, the country's highest court. The verdict is likely to deepen concerns about the state of democracy in Tanzania.
