Tanzanian opposition leaders Freeman Mbowe, Tundu Lissu arrested

Tanzanian opposition leaders Freeman Mbowe and Tundu Lissu were arrested on Monday as authorities moved to block a mass protest organised by their party, Chadema, in Dar es Salaam.

The main opposition party CHADEMA's chairman Mbowe was detained on the street, while his deputy Lissu was taken from his home amid plans to demonstrate against alleged killings and abductions of government critics.

The protest, which had been officially banned, was sparked by allegations that security forces were involved in the kidnapping and killing of Chadema members, including the recent death of party official Ali Mohamed Kibao.

CHADEMA accused President Samia Suluhu Hassan's government of returning to the repressive tactics used under her predecessor, John Magufuli, despite earlier signs of democratic openness.

Lissu, a prominent opposition figure who survived an assassination attempt in 2017, returned to Tanzania last year after President Hassan lifted a ban on opposition rallies.

However, he was arrested again in August during a separate protest.

Police also surrounded the home of Chadema chairman Freeman Mbowe, who called for peaceful protests against alleged state-sponsored violence.

Despite the heavy police presence, including riot officers and water cannons, Mbowe urged Tanzanians to remain peaceful, affirming the party's commitment to non-violence.

The crackdown has drawn criticism from human rights organizations and Western governments, raising concerns over increasing repression ahead of the local elections in November and the 2025 general elections.

The repeated arrests of leaders from Tanzania's main opposition party have cast doubt on the president's commitment to upholding democracy.