Police in Tanzania have detained leaders of the opposition Chadema party and apprehended several hundred of its supporters, halting a planned rally. Among those arrested is Tundu Lissu, a former presidential candidate.
The police had banned the rally, alleging the planned violence. This action by the Tanzanian police occurs amidst a recent wave of protests across sub-Saharan Africa.
Chadema’s communications and foreign affairs director, John Mrema, reported that the arrests took place as the party intended to conduct a rally in observance of International Youth Day.
Approximately 500 youth supporters were also detained while en route to the event. Freeman Mbowe, Chadema’s leader, vehemently criticized the arrest of his deputy Lissu and other youth leaders, urging their immediate and unconditional release.
Critics point to these arrests of opposition figures as further evidence of stalled democratic progress, particularly in light of the upcoming 2025 presidential and parliamentary polls.
In recent months, the opposition has been staging protests pressing the government to revoke contentious bills, address escalating living expenses, and ensure impartial oversight of the electoral process.
