EU Parliament to debate arrest and risk of execution of Tanzania opposition leader

BRUSSELS, Belgium

The European Union Parliament will hold an urgent debate on Wednesday, May 7 regarding treason case facing Tanzania’s chief opposition leader, Tundu Lissu.

Tanzanian police surround a vehicle belonging to opposition leader Tundu Lissu moments before his arrest in Mbinga district on April 9, 2025.

The presidential contender in the coming general election, Lissu who’s charges could lead to a death sentence, is the Chairperson of Tanzania's main opposition party - CHADEMA.

His party has been disqualified from the elections for advocating electoral reforms and the establishment of an independent electoral commission.

Under agenda heading - Arrest and risk of execution of Tundu Lissu, Chair of Chadema, the main opposition party in Tanzania; the debate will address concerns around human rights, democracy and political oppression under President Samia Hassan.

Tundu Lissu

According to the official website of the European Parliament, the debate will take place from 13:00 to 22:00. Following the debate and the drafting of the resolution referenced 2025/2690 (RSP), European lawmakers will vote on it the next day, May 8th, 2025.

After just three months at the helm of CHADEMA, Lissu was last month arrested and detained for a speech allegedly calling for the public to launch a rebellion and disrupt the elections.

He was not allowed to enter a plea on the treason charge but pleaded not guilty to a separate charge of publishing false information.

Tundu Lissu and his supporters

Prior to his arrest, he had been holding gatherings across the country with a rallying call of "no reforms, no elections".

He said the current system was rigged in favour of the ruling CCM party, adding that without reforms, there was no point in taking part in the elections.

The government has declined to take him to an open court, insisting that his case be conducted remotely.

Lissu’s lead advocate, Peter Kibatala, told the press in Dar es Salaam last week that their client refused to have the case heard online because he was denied his right to have enough time to communicate with his lawyers.

"I am issuing an official statement from our client that Lissu intends to officially begin a hunger strike next week (Tuesday) until justice is served." He told journalists.

Tanzania faces significant human rights challenges, including abuses by security forces, restrictions on freedoms of expression, assembly and association, along with issues related to the rights of marginalized groups like the Maasai. 

Tanzania police brutality, a citizen is denied (beaten) access to court premises 

There are also concerns about the independence of the judiciary, the handling of refugees, and the implementation of economic, social, and cultural rights. 

While the government has taken some steps to address human rights, challenges persist, and international human rights organizations continue to express concerns arbitrary arrests, disappearances, harassments and beatings of opposition members.