Tanzania - April 2025

In April, authorities escalated a crackdown on the main opposition party Chadema (Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo) ahead of the October general elections. On 9 April, police arrested party chair Tundu Lissu after a rally, using tear gas and reportedly live ammunition to disperse supporters. Lissu was charged the next day with treason and publishing false information, accused of intending to incite public obstruction of the elections due to his calls for an electoral boycott. The charge stems from Chadema’s ‘No Reforms, No Election’ campaign and could carry the death penalty. People charged with this offense are not eligible for bail. On 24 April, police blocked access to Lissu’s hearing, arresting at least five senior Chadema members who were later released amid reports of torture. Meanwhile, on 12 April, the electoral commission disqualified Chadema from the upcoming elections, citing its failure to sign the electoral code of conduct. Chadema rejected the decision as unconstitutional and vowed to appeal. 

Sources: The Citizen, Africa Confidential, Human Rights Watch, International Crisis Group, British Broadcast Corporation, Associated Press