By Our Correspondent, DAR ES SALAAM Tanzania
The High Court of Tanzania has temporarily barred the main opposition party - CHADEMA from carrying out any political or executive activities until a legal dispute brought by former party leaders from Zanzibar is heard in full.
Justice Hamidu Mwanga, who presided over the case, issued the interim order on Tuesday June 10, in Dar es Salaam.
Mwanga, a former electoral commissioner appointed as judge last year, ruled in favor of the applicants, led by former CHADEMA Deputy Chairperson (Zanzibar) Said Issa Mohamed, who accused the party of marginalizing its Zanzibar members.
The plaintiffs claim that CHADEMA has failed to uphold principles of equality within its ranks, citing unequal distribution of party resources between the mainland and Zanzibar.
In their court filings, they allege discrimination based on region, religion and gender and argued that party members from Zanzibar are denied opportunities for leadership and participation.
They petitioned the court to suspend all party operations and freeze the use of its assets until the main case is heard on June 24, 2025.
The court granted the interim orders as requested.
This lawsuit adds to growing internal tensions within CHADEMA, the Tanzania’s main opposition party, which has long positioned itself as a champion of democracy and fairness.
According to court documents, the claimants argue that the current leadership has contravened both the party’s internal constitution and national political party regulations.
During the preliminary hearing, CHADEMA’s legal team, led by lawyer Jebra Kambole, had raised objections, all of which were dismissed by the court.
Following the ruling, Kambole withdrew from the case, stating on social media that he could not continue to be part of a process he felt undermined basic principles of justice and democratic rights.
“I decided to withdraw from today’s CHADEMA case after witnessing serious procedural irregularities, lack of equal opportunity to be heard and other concerns. I couldn’t be part of a process that violates human rights and democracy in this country,”
The court is expected to begin full hearings on the case later this month.
Chadema who's Chairman, Tundu Lissu, in jail facing treason case was barred from contesting presidential and parliamentary elections due to take place later this year by Tanzania’s electoral commission.
The Independent National Elections Commission (INEC) announced the decision in April, stating that the party failed to sign a mandatory code of conduct agreement by the required deadline for the polls expected to take place in October.
Immediately after the court ruling, Chadema issued a bold statement alleging that there is orchestrated efforts to suppress its political activities for the benefit of ruling party.
"Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) is informing party members, supporters, and the international community on a rapidly deteriorating political climate in Tanzania." The statement signed by the party spokesperson, Brenda Rupia said.
She said that the recent developments point to a deliberate erosion of democratic space characterized by misuse of state institutions particularly the judiciary and security apparatus to suppress legitimate political activity and silencent dissent.
"Firstly, Undermining of Legitimate Party Leadership - We are witnessing orchestrated efforts, led by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, to interfere with the internal affairs and leadership structures of Chadema."
She said that the actions are being pursued through a baseless legal case, whose objective is not to uphold justice, but to derail Chadema’s ongoing nationwide campaign of No Reforms, No Election. The campaign is a peaceful, democratic call for comprehensive electoral reforms and the restoration of integrity to Tanzania’s political processes.
"Secondly, escalation of Political Harassment and Violence - There has been a marked escalation in targeted acts of political intimidation and obstruction of our public activities."
The statement claim that local government authorities acting under apparent directives from senior figures within the ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), have systematically denied Chadema access to public grounds for rallies, even after accepting payment and confirming venues. Adding that unemployed youths are being mobilized to disrupt their rallies, harass members, and intimidate citizens engaging with the message of democratic transformation.
"Thirdly Judicial Overreach and Political Interference - Most alarmingly, on Tuesday, 10 June 2025, the High Court of Tanzania, under the direction of Judge Hamidu Mwanga, issued an ex parte order suspending all Chadema political activities for 14 days."
She alleged that the court proceeded with the matter in the absence of Chadema’s legal representation after their lead counsel, Advocate Jebra Kambole, withdrew from the case citing concerns over judicial impartiality.
"Despite a formal request for adjournment to allow Chadema time to appoint new counsel, the judge denied the application and proceeded to issue a politically charged ruling, devoid of legal merit."
"Chadema considers this a grave threat to multiparty democracy and a dangerous signal of institutional collapse in the face of political pressure. We categorically reject the abuse of judicial processes to advance partisan interests and suppress opposition voices." She insisted in the statement adding that the party’s top leadership will immediately convene to evaluate the implications of this ruling and determine a decisive and principled course of action.
"We urge our members, supporters, and all Tanzanians who cherish justice, freedom, and democratic governance to be ready to act in accordance with forthcoming partie`s directives. We also call upon the international community, governments, civil society organizations, diplomatic missions, and development partners to take note of these alarming developments and to stand in solidarity with all who seek to defend democracy and the rule of law in Tanzania."
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