Keypoints:
- Lissu protests limited legal access
- Treason trial may carry death penalty
- Chadema barred from October poll
TANZANIAN opposition leader Tundu Lissu will embark on a hunger strike as he continues to face trial for treason, in a move his legal team says protests harsh detention conditions and lack of fair trial access.
Lissu, 57, who leads the opposition Chadema party, was arrested in April and charged with treason — a capital offence in Tanzania. His lawyer, Peter Kibatala, announced the hunger strike on Saturday, saying it would begin either on Sunday or Monday.
‘Lissu will be on hunger strike until justice is done,’ Kibatala told reporters, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).
‘He is ready for whatever happens’
The opposition figure is reportedly protesting several restrictions placed on him since his arrest, including limited access to his lawyers and family while in custody. His lawyer also condemned the restricted attendance at his court hearings, which they say undermines the transparency of the judicial process.
‘He is ready for whatever will happen to him,’ said Kibatala.
At his first hearing on April 24 in Dar es Salaam, police used force to disperse Chadema supporters who had gathered outside the court. Lissu declined to participate in the hearing after being told he could only appear via video link, which he considered a violation of his rights.
Long history of state repression
Lissu has been arrested several times over the years and survived a 2017 assassination attempt that left him hospitalised for months. He later went into exile before returning to Tanzania, hoping to reignite the opposition ahead of the 2025 general elections.
Chadema has accused President Samia Suluhu Hassan of reverting to the repressive tactics of her predecessor, John Magufuli. While President Samia initially eased restrictions on political activity, opposition parties now say space for dissent is once again closing.
Earlier this year, Chadema declared it would boycott the October polls unless electoral reforms were implemented, including a more independent Electoral Commission and transparent rules for candidate eligibility.
Party blocked from upcoming vote
In a further blow to the opposition, authorities barred Chadema from participating in the October elections after the party refused to sign an electoral ‘code of conduct’. Chadema argued the document lacked fairness and failed to protect democratic rights.
Lissu’s legal ordeal and impending hunger strike have drawn criticism from human rights advocates, who warn that Tanzania’s democratic backsliding is accelerating as the country heads into a crucial election season.
