Tanzanian authorities have intensified their crackdown on opposition figures, arresting senior leaders of the main opposition party, CHADEMA, ahead of the October general elections.
On Thursday, police erected barricades around a Dar es Salaam court where opposition supporters had gathered, expressing dismay at the escalating repression. “I cannot believe this is happening in our own country,” said Aswile Mwaisanzu, 48, one of the supporters present.
The main opposition party, CHADEMA, has seen several of its leaders arrested in recent weeks. Deputy Chairperson John Heche and Secretary General John Mnyika were detained en route to attend the treason trial of party leader Tundu Lissu, who faces charges after calling for electoral reforms during a public rally. Their whereabouts remain unknown, and authorities have not confirmed their detention.
Lissu, who survived an assassination attempt in 2017, was recently moved to Ukonga Prison amid concerns over his safety and access to legal counsel.