• Lissu came second in presidential poll
• Lissu’s party has demanded electoral reforms
• President says she is committed to human rights

NAIROBI, (Prime Africa News) — Tanzania’s main opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, made his first in-person court appearance on Monday since his arrest on treason charges, defiantly urging supporters to remain fearless in the face of mounting political pressure.

Lissu, the vice-chair of the opposition CHADEMA party and a fierce critic of the government, entered the courtroom in Dar es Salaam with his fist raised high, receiving cheers from supporters chanting “No Reforms, No Election.” The moment was captured and widely shared by CHADEMA on the social media platform X.

“We will be fine. You should not fear,” Lissu told the crowd as he took his place in the dock, flashing a victory sign.

Lissu is accused of treason following a speech prosecutors claim incited public rebellion and aimed to disrupt the upcoming general elections slated for October. He had previously boycotted an April 24 hearing held via video link, insisting on an in-person appearance.

A survivor of a 2017 assassination attempt in which he was shot 16 times, Lissu placed second in the 2020 presidential elections and remains a central figure in Tanzania’s opposition politics.

His arrest and the broader crackdown on dissent have cast a spotlight on the human rights record of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who intends to seek re-election. While Hassan has repeatedly stated that her administration is committed to upholding human rights, opposition groups and international observers have raised concerns over shrinking political space.

CHADEMA has vowed to boycott the October elections unless electoral reforms are enacted to ensure a level playing field, accusing the current system of heavily favoring the ruling party.

Adding to the controversy, a group of prominent Kenyan legal and human rights advocates, including former Justice Minister Martha Karua and former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, were denied entry into Tanzania on Monday. The delegation had traveled to attend Lissu’s court hearing in a show of solidarity.

“Today was going to be a big day and we went out there in solidarity,” Karua told Kenya’s NTV after being deported back to Nairobi.
“The state cannot be used as a personal tool. You cannot deport people whom you don’t like, who are not aligned to your views.”

Tanzanian immigration officials have yet to issue a formal statement on the deportations. Efforts to contact Immigration Spokesperson Paul Mselle were unsuccessful.

As tensions rise ahead of the October polls, Lissu’s trial and the treatment of regional observers may further deepen scrutiny over Tanzania’s democratic credentials.