Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu’s treason trial delayed again amid security concerns in Dar es Salaam

Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu appears in court under tight security. His treason trial will now unfold behind closed doors. (Photo: File/Handout)

By Lucy Mumbi
Monday, November 10, 2025

State Counsel Thawabu Issa told the High Court that the Prisons Department was unable to present Lissu in court, citing safety concerns.

Tanzania’s opposition leader, Tundu Lissu’s treason case has been adjourned yet again after prosecutors failed to produce the accused, citing heightened security concerns in Dar es Salaam and the inability of key witnesses to travel from Ruvuma and Mbeya.

In a statement on Monday, his party, Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), confirmed that the case, which was scheduled for the day, to continue with the testimony of the fourth prosecution witness, did not proceed.

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The delay follows a previous adjournment on November 3 due to similar security challenges.

State Counsel Thawabu Issa told the High Court that the Prisons Department was unable to present Lissu in court, citing safety concerns. He also noted that witnesses expected from Ruvuma and Mbeya failed to appear for the same reason.

“According to the explanation given in court, State Attorney Thawabu Issa informed the court that they had communicated with the Officer-in-Charge of Ukonga Prison, who stated that Tundu Lissu was not brought to court due to security concerns. Additionally, the prosecution informed the court that witnesses who were supposed to testify could not travel from the regions of Ruvuma and Mbeya, also due to security reasons in Dar es Salaam,” CHADEMA said.

Prosecutors requested a 14-day adjournment under Section 302 of the Criminal Procedure Act to allow arrangements to be made. However, the court, led by Justice Dastan Ndunguru, rejected the request and instead adjourned the case for two days to November 12, 2025.

The judges directed the prosecution to ensure that all witnesses, together with Lissu, are present in court on the new date.

Lissu, the national chairman of CHADEMA, was charged with treason in April 2025 after his arrest at a public rally where he called for electoral reforms ahead of the October general elections. Prosecutors allege he incited the public to rebel and disrupt the elections.

The adjournment comes amid a broader crackdown on opposition figures following deadly post-election protests last month. Tanzanian authorities have also detained CHADEMA’s deputy secretary general, Amani Golugwa, and are seeking the arrest of nine more party members. More than 200 people have now been charged with treason in connection with the protests.

CHADEMA and human rights bodies claim that over 1,000 people were killed by security forces during the demonstrations. The government has dismissed these figures as exaggerated but has not released its own data.

The opposition has condemned the elections as fraudulent. President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner with 97 per cent of the vote, but the main rivals were barred from running, and election observers cited instances of ballot stuffing, saying the polls were not free or fair.

Treason in Tanzania carries the death penalty, though no executions have taken place in the country since 1995.