Tanzania's main opposition party Chadema says 51 of its officials were arrested and charged with terrorism after planned July 7 protests were blocked by heavy security. Party leaders, including Tundu Lissu, face terrorism charges that are reportedly not eligible for bail and carry penalties from 10 years to life. Authorities also upgraded charges against a university lecturer from incitement to terrorism. The government has not commented and previously denied allegations of political repression.
Tanzania Opposition Says 51 Chadema Officials Arrested, Charged With Terrorism Over Blocked July 7 Protests
FILE - Tanzania Army patrol the street during vote counting in Zanzibar, Tanzania, Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga, File)
Tanzania's main opposition party, Chadema, says police detained 51 of its officials and have charged them with terrorism after planned July 7 demonstrations were effectively blocked by a heavy security presence.
Chadema deputy chairperson John Heche told reporters the arrests related to protests that organisers had planned for July 7 — a date that marks the founding of the ruling party and has also been linked to pro-democracy demonstrations in neighbouring Kenya. Protesters sought democratic reforms following last October's disputed general election, in which President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner with 98% of the vote.
Heche said party chairman Tundu Lissu is also facing the same terrorism charge and has been deprived of basic rights; under Tanzanian law the terrorism charge cited is not eligible for bail. He added that Chadema's lawyers will defend all those arrested and urged supporters to visit and help detainees' families.
Terrorism convictions in Tanzania carry severe penalties, with sentences ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment. On Thursday authorities reportedly upgraded charges against a university lecturer from incitement to terrorism shortly before a scheduled bail hearing on the earlier allegation.
Heche appealed for national unity, urging Tanzanians to speak out against what he called blackmail and intimidation.
The Tanzanian government has not commented on the latest terrorism charges. It has previously denied accusations of politically motivated repression. In June, the government banned all political rallies citing security concerns but did not specify how long the ban would remain in force.
Context: During the October election, thousands protested on polling day. Official figures reported by the government put the death toll at 500, while the opposition has said fatalities reached into the thousands — a discrepancy that remains a point of contention.
What to watch: Whether the government issues an official statement, the legal defence mounted by Chadema, and any international reactions to the use of terrorism charges against opposition figures.
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