IDU calls for immediate release of Tanzania opposition party's Deputy Secretary General

BRUSSELS, Belgium

The International Democracy Union has today May 13 strongly condemn the unlawful arrest and assault of Tanzania opposition party (CHADEMA)'s Deputy Secretary General, Amani Golugwa early today.

Chadema is the main opposition party in Tanzania whose Chairperson, Tundu Lissu, was arrested a month ago and slapped with treason charges. In Tanzania, treason is non-bailable offence that carries a mandatory death sentence. 

IDU said that Golugwa was en-route to the Union’s forum in Brussels. “Silencing opposition voices violates the core of democracy. We call for his immediate release and urge global pressure on Tanzania to uphold human rights.”

The IDU actively works to strengthen democracy and defend democratic values globally. It provides a platform for conservative and moderate political parties to connect, share experiences, and collaborate on issues of mutual interest. 

According to Chadema, the senior party officer was arrested at the Julius Nyerere International Airport at dawn. “We have been informed that the Deputy Secretary General of the party Hon. Amani Golugwa has been arrested by the Police last night on May 13, at the Julius Nyerere International Airport.

The party statement said that Golugwa was traveling early today, to Belgium to represent the party in the meeting of the International Democracy Union (IDU) that starts tomorrow.

“We have spoken to the Turkish Airlines company that he was traveling with, they have informed us that he has not been able to travel. And the person who informed us has explained that Golugwa has been vigorously assaulted by police.

The Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Force has confirmed his arrest of at the Julius Nyerere International Airport on May 12, 2025 at 00:45 midnight.

The Police explained that the arrest of the senior leader of the opposition party was based on "confidential information of his regular foreign travels without following legal procedures."

Of late, Chadema leaders have been facing repressive actions from the government and the police force from all corners of the country.

Last week, the EU parliament added its voice to growing calls for the Tanzania government under President, Samia Hassan to drop treason and other charges imposed on opposition chief, Tundu together with repressive actions against opposition leaders.