Law Society in Tanzania following up the arrest of opposition leader

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania

The Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) is following up to find out what caused the arrest of the Chairman of Tanzania’s main opposition party (CHADEMA, Tundu Lissu and why so much force was used in an area where the people were exercising their right to assemble in accordance with the law.

Advocate Boniface Mwabukusi 

Lissu, a vocal critic of President Samia Hassan’s administration, was reportedly taken into custody along with several senior members of his entourage in Mbinga in the Ruvuma Region of southern Tanzania in what analysts see as a renewed political repression ahead of general elections later this year.

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In his post on social media today, the President of TLS, Advocate Boniface Mwabukusi said the force used by the Police against unarmed citizens is not only an abuse of the law but a situation that indicates irresponsibility and a lack of political tolerance in the country.

“There were many professional and peaceful alternatives that could have been employed without violence, gunfire, or tear gas. Tundu Lissu is not only a member and leader of the main opposition party, but he is also an active member of TLS and has the right to be treated according to the law."

Tundu Lissu

He said that the Police Force must come forward and explain the reasons for using such force against civilians and clarify the charges under which Tundu Lissu is being held.

“We are following up and reflecting deeply on this matter.” He stressed.

Lissu, a seasoned lawyer and former presidential candidate, has been leading a series of rallies across the country pushing for reforms to ensure free and fair elections.

He previously survived an assassination attempt in 2017 when gunmen sprayed his car with bullets, leaving him with multiple injuries.

The latest arrest is part of a troubling trend, critics say. In recent months, several Chadema officials have suffered violent attacks.

In October 2024, Aisha Machano, a senior party official, was abducted and seriously injured while on official duties. A month earlier, Ali Kibao, another regional leader, was abducted and found murdered.