Tanzania - April 2026

On 15 April, Tanzania’s Court of Appeal overturned a High Court injunction that had barred the main opposition party, the Party for Democracy and Progress (Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo, Chadema), from political activity and the use of its assets for 309 days. The appellate court found that the High Court had committed fatal procedural irregularities, including proceeding after Chadema’s lawyer had withdrawn and failing to determine whether the original petition was time-barred, and declared the lower court’s rulings null and void. It also ordered that the judge who issued the injunction be removed and the case reassigned. Chadema resumed nationwide operations and reopened offices that police had used the order to seal. The party said its priority was securing the release of its chairperson, Tundu Lissu, whose detention on treason charges marked one year on 9 April.  

Sources: International Crisis Group, The Chanzo, The East African, The Respondent