LONDON, England
The Commonwealth has urged the Tanzanian government to find a political and legal solution to the case facing opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
This is in accordance with recommendations submitted to the community by former Malawian president and special envoy to the community, Lazarus Chakwera.
Chakwera was appointed to mediate political tensions in Tanzania and facilitate national dialogue following the disputed October 2025 general elections, which sparked widespread protests.
Tundu Lissu was arrested following a political rally in Mbinga, Tanzania, where he called for major electoral and constitutional reforms.
The government charged him with treason and publishing false information online, alleging that his "No Reform, No Election" campaign had incited public unrest.
Tanzania's opposition leader, Tundu Lissu surrounded by Prison officers in court
In his ongoing trial, which has been postponed several times, Lissu requested to represent himself after his team of lawyers claimed they were denied the opportunity to speak with him privately and withdrew from the case.
He has been in prison under maximum security for more than 400 days.
However, the Tanzanian government has insisted that the case against Lissu is not politically motivated and that the court is independent in hearing it.
Other instructions given by the Commonwealth to the Tanzania government includes lifting of restrictions on freedom of assembly and expression, civil society and the media.
The holding of an inter-party consultative forum to agree on collective framework on the way forward for the next general elections is also urged by the Commonwealth.
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