Tanzania’s CHADEMA and human rights observers accuse police of mass unlawful detentions
CHADEMA is demanding that all unlawfully detained citizens, members, and leaders be released immediately and unconditionally.
Tanzania’s opposition party, Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), has accused the police of unlawfully detaining hundreds of its members and leaders, calling for their immediate release and demanding clarity on the whereabouts of those whose location remains unknown.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the party said the arrests, which have occurred over the past several days, often bypassed legal procedures, lacked clear justification, and denied detainees access to their families or legal counsel.
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"Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) wants to inform the public and the international community about ongoing incidents in the country that continue to violate the principles of the rule of law, human rights, and the functioning of a multi-party system," the statement reads in part.
"For several days now, hundreds of citizens, CHADEMA members, and leaders have been detained, while the police continue to pursue others in various locations. Their arrests have often been carried out without following legal procedures, frequently without clear reasons, and without giving them the opportunity to contact their families or access legal representation."
No court appearance
The party further highlighted that some individuals arrested before and after October 29 remain in police custody without being presented in court, in violation of constitutional and legal requirements. There are also cases of people apprehended by individuals identifying themselves as police officers, whose current whereabouts remain unknown.
CHADEMA is demanding that all unlawfully detained citizens, members, and leaders be released immediately and unconditionally. The party has also expressed readiness to deploy its legal team to ensure the protection of detainees’ rights.
The opposition party urged the international community to closely monitor the situation in Tanzania, warning that continued violations of legal procedures and human rights could undermine democratic governance.
Recently, Tanzanian police released four senior opposition leaders who had been arrested for their alleged role in deadly protests following last month's General Election.
Those released on bail on 10th November 2025 include CHADEMA Vice Chairman John Heche, who was arrested on October 22, along with Deputy Secretary-General (Mainland) Amani Golugwa, Central Committee Member Godbless Lema, and Coastal Zone Chairperson Boniface Jacob, popularly known as Boni Yai.
Lema, Golugwa, and Boni Yai were among several party figures taken into custody over accusations of participating in protests that turned violent before and after the October 29 general election in multiple regions, including Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza, Mbeya, Songwe, Kilimanjaro, Dodoma, Mara, and Ruvuma.
Heche had been held by police following his arrest outside the High Court in Dar es Salaam, where he had gone to attend the treason trial of CHADEMA Chairperson Tundu Lissu.
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