Tanzania Opposition Leader Tundu Lissu Appears in Court, Urges Supporters to Stand Firm Amid Treason Charges

 NAIROB: Tanzania’s leading opposition figure, Tundu Lissu, made a defiant appearance in court on Monday, marking his first in-person hearing since his arrest on charges including treason. Lissu, who leads the CHADEMA party, called on his supporters to remain steadfast and unafraid in the face of mounting political pressure.

“We will be fine. You should not fear,” Lissu said confidently as he entered the courtroom, raising his fist and flashing victory signs. Supporters chanted “No Reforms, No Election”, echoing CHADEMA’s central demand for electoral reform ahead of the country’s upcoming October polls. The scene was captured in a video shared by CHADEMA on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

Lissu had previously refused to participate in a hearing held virtually on April 24, insisting on a physical appearance in court rather than via video link from prison. His latest court appearance comes amid heightened political tension in the country following his arrest last month. Prosecutors allege Lissu delivered a public speech encouraging rebellion and disruption of the forthcoming elections — accusations that have sparked widespread concern among human rights observers.

A prominent political figure and vocal critic of the government, Lissu survived a 2017 assassination attempt in which he was shot 16 times. He later ran for president and finished second in the last election.

The charges against him come as President Samia Suluhu Hassan seeks re-election and faces growing criticism over her administration's human rights record. While the government has reiterated its commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law, recent developments — including Lissu's arrest and other politically charged detentions — have drawn scrutiny from both domestic and international observers.

In a related development, several Kenyan civil society leaders, including former high-ranking officials, were denied entry into Tanzania as they traveled to attend Lissu’s trial in a show of solidarity. Among those turned away at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam were Kenya’s former Justice Minister Martha Karua and former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga.

“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 simply because they hold different views.”

Human rights activist Hussein Khalid, who accompanied Mutunga, confirmed on X that they were being held for interrogation and expected to be deported.

Tanzanian immigration authorities have yet to comment on the detentions or the broader implications for regional diplomatic relations and human rights monitoring.

As the October elections draw near, CHADEMA has reiterated its demand for sweeping electoral reforms to ensure a level playing field, stating unequivocally that it will not participate in the vote without them.