CHADEMA Deputy Secretary General Amani Golugwa arrested as crackdown intensifies
Golugwa becomes the third senior party leader to be detained in recent weeks, following the arrests of Chairperson Tundu Lissu and Vice-Chairperson John Heche.
Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) has confirmed the arrest of its Deputy Secretary General (Mainland), Amani Golugwa, by Arusha Regional Police on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
Golugwa becomes the third senior party leader to be detained in recent weeks, following the arrests of Chairperson Tundu Lissu and Vice-Chairperson John Heche.
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In a public statement on Saturday, CHADEMA warned that the wave of arrests is spreading to lower-level party members, with reports indicating that some are being forced to confess to organising demonstrations.
The party said the government intends to charge its leaders with treason in an attempt to cripple the party’s leadership and paralyse its operations.
"The arrest of the Deputy Secretary General means that only three of the party's six top leaders remain free. We understand that the government intends to charge our leaders with treason in an attempt to cripple the Party's leadership and paralyse its operations," said CHADEMA.
CHADEMA assured its members and supporters that it stands firmly with the people of Tanzania in moments of joy, sorrow, grief, or hardship.
“The voice of the people is the voice of God; darkness has never overcome light. Together, we shall prevail,” the statement said.
This comes as the party announced that its flags will fly at half-mast from November 5 to 11, 2025, in honour of civilians killed during last month’s post-election protests.
“The party flags will fly at half-mast from today, November 5, 2025, until November 11, 2025, to mourn the deaths of civilians who were killed during the protests in October this year,” the party said in a Wednesday notice.
CHADEMA claimed that about 700 people were killed over three days of unrest following the disputed general election.
The protests began on election day after opposition supporters accused the government of stifling dissent and barring key presidential contenders from the race.
The party also emphasised its continued commitment to democracy, justice, and the rule of law, even amid the ongoing crackdown on its leadership.
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