Tanzania Cracks Down on Opposition Rally, Arrests Leaders

Tanzania has taken decisive action against an opposition rally, resulting in the arrest of several leaders. The crackdown reflects heightened political tensions and concerns over dissent within the country.

A planned rally in Tanzania was halted and opposition leaders, along with several hundred supporters, were detained by the police.

On X, a party official reported that the opposition Chadema’s leaders, among them Tundu Lissu – their erstwhile presidential candidate had been arrested on Monday in Mbeya city located in southwestern Tanzania. Beforehand, law enforcement authorities banned the rally claiming suspicion of planned violence.

In recent weeks, there has been a series of protests throughout sub-Saharan Africa including Kenya and Uganda. The Tanzanian police have taken action in response to this trend.

According to John Mrema, the director of communications and foreign affairs for Chadema, arrests were carried out as the party was preparing to host a rally in commemoration of International Youth Day. Approximately 500 young supporters who were en route to attend the event also ended up being detained.

According to his statement, the Mbeya Police have taken into custody all of Chadema’s leaders in the Nyassa region office, comprising Hon. Tundu Lissu, Hon. John Mnyika and Hon. Joseph Mbilinyi along with other party members as well as youth council representatives. This is a developing news story!

The leader of Chadema, Freeman Mbowe expressed his intense disapproval towards the apprehension of his deputy Lissu and other young leaders. He demanded their instantaneous and absolute liberation.

Critics argue that the arrest of opposition figures in Tanzania is indicative of stalling democratic progress, particularly as the nation prepares to hold presidential and parliamentary elections come 2025.

Over the past few months, protests orchestrated by opponents have been demanding that the government retract contentious bills, combat skyrocketing living expenses and guarantee nonpartisan supervision of electoral procedures.

Accusing the party of planning violent demonstrations, the police had imposed a ban on Chadema youth gathering last Sunday.

According to the youth wing, approximately 10,000 youngsters were anticipated to convene in Mbeya.

The ban was condemned by Chadema officials, who urged President Samia Suluhu Hassan to step in and take action.

Following the unexpected passing of President John Magufuli in 2021, Hassan assumed leadership and shifted away from her predecessor’s strict measures while implementing political alterations.

An overture to political rivals seeking the restoration of democratic traditions was expressed by her when she lifted a ban on opposition rallies in January 2023, which had been imposed in 2016 by Magufuli.