Human rights activists have condemned the arrest of Tanzanian opposition leader and former presidential candidate Tundu Lissu, describing it as unlawful, arbitrary, and a serious assault on democratic freedoms in the region.
UMOJA Empowerment Resources, a civic rights and governance organisation, expressed outrage over Lissu’s detention by the government of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
In a statement , the group described the arrest as “a clear and egregious violation of both the Tanzanian Constitution and international human rights standards.”
The organisation noted that Lissu’s arrest comes at a critical time as Tanzania prepares for general elections, warning that such actions erode public trust in governance institutions.
“This latest act of political repression is not only deeply disturbing but undermines the democratic process,” UMOJA said in the statement.
The group emphasised that advocating for electoral reforms or calling for election boycotts should not be criminalized, arguing that these are legitimate forms of political expression.
“Boycotting elections or calling for electoral reforms is not tantamount to treason. It is a legitimate expression of political dissent, protected under both domestic law and international human rights frameworks, including Article 1 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” the statement read.
UMOJA also expressed concern that political repression is becoming a regional trend. It cited the recent arrest and forced deportation of Ugandan opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye from Kenya, and the continued incarceration of Hajji Obed Kamulegeya, as examples of shrinking democratic space in East Africa.
“As an organization working at the intersection of governance, civic education, and youth empowerment, we see such actions as grave threats not only to individuals like Mr. Lissu but to the broader vision of a free, just, and inclusive Africa,” the organization said.
The group urged Tanzanian authorities to release Lissu unconditionally and halt what it described as a campaign of intimidation against opposition leaders and civil society actors.
It also called on the East African Community, African Union, United Nations, and other international actors to speak out and hold to account those who suppress democratic rights.
“The people of Tanzania, like all peoples, deserve a government that respects their rights, hears their voices, and governs by law, not by fear,” the statement concluded.
Lissu was arrested last week and charged with treason following a political rally in southern Tanzania, where he had called for electoral reforms. His party, CHADEMA, has since been disqualified from participating in this year’s general elections.
Ramadhani Kailima, director of elections at the Independent National Electoral Commission, announced that CHADEMA had failed to sign the official code of conduct by the April 5 deadline, resulting in its disqualification from the October elections.
“Any party that did not sign the code of conduct will not participate in the general election,” Kailima said, adding that CHADEMA is also barred from contesting any by-elections until 2030.
Earlier that same day, CHADEMA had declared its intention to boycott the signing ceremony as part of its demand for electoral reforms.
The country is expected to hold parliamentary and presidential elections later this year, with Tundu Lissu previously seen as a major challenger to incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The ruling CCM party, in power since 1977, is widely expected to retain control following the exclusion of CHADEMA from the race.