Africa

Tundu Lissu, other Tanzanian opposition leaders arrested ahead of youth rally

Tanzanian opposition leader and former presidential candidate of CHADEMA party Tundu Lissu waves to supporters as his convoy drives after he returns from exile in Europe, along the streets of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania January 25, 2023. (Photo: REUTERS/Emmanuel Herman)

By Abdirahman Khalif and Mwangi Maina | Monday, August 12, 2024

The rally, organised by Chadema's youth wing, was expected to draw around 10,000 young people under the theme "Take charge of your future."

Tanzanian authorities have detained prominent members of the opposition party Chadema, including Tundu Lissu and several other party leaders.

The arrests took place in Mbeya, a city in southwest Tanzania, where Chadema had planned a rally in celebration of International Youth Day.

Keep reading

The arrest was confirmed by Chadema's director of communications and foreign affairs, John Mrema, in a statement posted on X.

The rally, organised by Chadema's youth wing, was expected to draw around 10,000 young people under the theme "Take charge of your future." However, on Sunday, police announced the prohibition of the event, accusing the party of intending to incite violent protests.

Police Chief Awadh Haji in a statement on Sunday, said the ban was based on evidence suggesting the gathering was intended to cause unrest, referring to recent anti-government demonstrations in neighbouring Kenya as a possible influence.

Haji warned that such gatherings could lead to a breach of peace.

"Police have decided to ban any form of internal and public gathering or demonstrations which go under the name of marking the youth day," he said.

Condemnation

The ban and subsequent arrests have drawn sharp reactions from Chadema's leadership.

Freeman Mbowe, Chadema's leader, who had earlier condemned the arrests and called for the immediate and unconditional release of the detained leaders, members, and supporters was also arrested.

Mbowe was arrested just hours after the detention of Lissu in Mbeya, a city in Southwest Tanzania.

The youth rally was expected to draw supporters from across Tanzania.

CHADEMA, the main opposition political party, is anticipated to field a candidate in next year's presidential election against President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Party officials have called on President Samia to intervene and address the situation, arguing that the prohibition of their planned event and the subsequent arrests are part of a broader pattern of repression against opposition parties in Tanzania.

The International Youth Day rally in Mbeya was intended as a platform for young people to discuss and take action on issues affecting their future. The event's cancellation and the arrests of key opposition figures have heightened concerns about political freedoms in the country.

Reader comments

Follow Us and Stay Connected!

We'd love for you to join our community and stay updated with our latest stories and updates. Follow us on our social media channels and be part of the conversation!

TikTok

YouTube

X (Twitter)

Facebook

Let's stay connected and keep the dialogue going!