Firebrand politician to lead Tanzania's main opposition party

By Osoro Nyawangah, DAR ES SALAAM Tanzania

Tundu Lissu, a firebrand Tanzanian opposition leader and former presidential candidate, has emerged as the new leader of the country’s largest opposition party, Chadema, defeating long-serving chairman Freeman Mbowe.

Mbowe, who has led the party for 21 years, publicly conceded the loss on his X account, extending his best wishes to Lissu as he takes over the reins of the party ahead of Tanzania’s highly anticipated general elections later this year.

"I open-heartedly received the decisions by the General Meeting of our party CHADEMA concluded this morning 22 January 2025. I congratulate Hon. Tundu Lissu and his colleagues who were entrusted with the responsibility of the party leadership. I wish them all the best in taking our party forward.” He said.

The leadership contest, announced early Wednesday, marked a pivotal moment for Chadema where Lissu scooped 513 votes against Mbowe’s 482 votes.

The meeting also voted John Heche as Vice Chairman (Tanzania mainland) and Said Mzee Said (Zanzibar) respectively.

Analysts noted that the heated race between Mbowe and Lissu exposed internal divisions in the party, which has struggled to unseat the ruling CCM party in past elections.

Lissu is widely known for his outspoken stance on human rights and constitutionalism.

A lawyer and former lawmaker, Lissu survived a near-fatal assassination attempt during the regime of the late President John Magufuli. After spending years in exile, he returned to Tanzania in January 2023, ready to challenge the political status quo.

Initially expressing interest in retaining his vice chairman’s role, Lissu announced his bid for the top position in December 2024. During his campaign, he leaned on his reputation as a fearless advocate for justice, rallying party members to support his leadership vision.

The leadership change comes as Chadema prepares to face Tanzania’s ruling party CCM, which has endorsed President Samia Hassan as its flag bearer for the October general elections.

This will be the party’s first challenge against Tanzania’s first woman president.

Lissu’s victory represents a significant shift in Chadema’s direction as it seeks to strengthen its position in Tanzanian politics and mount a robust challenge against the ruling party in the upcoming polls.