Tanzania’s main opposition leaders arrested in Dar es Salaam

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania

National Chairman of the main Tanzania opposition party CHADEMA, Mr Freeman Mbowe, was arrested by Tanzania Police force today in the Magomeni in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam while speaking to journalists.

CHADEMA chairperson, Freeman Mbowe, surrounded by Field Force Unit (section of Tanzania Police Force)

The arrest of him and other key leaders including her daughter, Nicole Mbowe, come as the police struggle to stop the opposition members from participating in a Mega demonstration against alleged killings and abductions of government critics that were ‘banned’ by police as illegal.

Mbowe had just arrived in a small vehicle and began addressing the media when police intervened to arrest him.

His arrest follows his recent announcement of planned protests to condemn a series of kidnappings and murders, including the case of party member Ali Kibao.

Despite the plans for peaceful demonstrations, police spokesperson David Misime had previously declared the protests illegal.

CHADEMA has maintained the position of continuing to march peacefully to mourn their comrades who were killed and to press the government to take measures to control the killings and arrests.

CHADEMA's Vice Chairperson, Tundu Lissu's home surrounded by police forcing their way in to arrest him

Mbowe said that the party’s focus on these issues is driven by demands for accountability, including calls for the resignation of the Minister of Home Affairs, Hamad Masauni, and other senior security officials.

He also highlighted the urgent need for the return of party leaders who have been abducted, either alive or deceased, naming Deusdetith Soka, Dioniz Kipanya, Jacob Mlay, and Mbwana Kombo among them.

Earlier in the day, the party’s Vice Chairman for Tanzania Mainland, Mr. Tundu Lissu was also arrested at his home in Tegeta, just hours before the planned protests were scheduled to begin.

Another party leader, Godbless Lema, was also arrested with other 17 members according to the Dar es Salaam police special zone commander, Jumanne Muliro.

Rights campaigners say President Samia Hassan's government is targeting opponents ahead of local elections in December and a national vote in 2025.