Tanzania Opposition Leader Tundu Lissu Arrested Over Planned Protests
-
Loading... - Evelyn Nassoro
- 23 Sep 2024
- 71 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu was arrested on Monday as police moved to prevent a planned protest in Dar es Salaam organized by the opposition party Chadema. The rally was intended to protest the alleged kidnapping and killing of party members, which Chadema blames on security forces.
Despite a government ban on the rally, Chadema had vowed to proceed with the protest. The party accuses President Samia Suluhu Hassan's government of reverting to the repressive tactics of her predecessor, John Magufuli.
Although Hassan initially signaled a move toward a more open democracy after assuming power in 2021, Chadema claims that the recent actions, including the killing of Ali Mohamed Kibao from its national secretariat, indicate a return to political repression.
Alongside Lissu's arrest, police reportedly blocked access to Chadema chairman Freeman Mbowe's home. Lissu has faced numerous arrests and survived a 2017 assassination attempt. After being in exile, he returned to Tanzania last year when Hassan lifted restrictions on opposition activities, but he was arrested again in August during a Chadema youth rally.
The crackdown has sparked criticism from human rights groups and Western governments, including the United States, raising concerns about renewed repression ahead of the November local elections and the 2025 general election.
Despite the heavy presence of riot police, Chadema has maintained that its protests are peaceful, with Mbowe urging supporters to persist even in the face of potential arrests or violence.
