Tanzania’s opposition leader Tundu Lissu will face a full treason trial after the High Court rejected his bid to have the charges struck out. The court ruled that the objections he raised lacked merit, clearing the way for the case to proceed.
Lissu, the leader of CHADEMA, had argued last week that the charge sheet was defective, saying it failed to show the particulars of the alleged offence or prove that he intended to commit treason.
He further told the court that witness statements were invalid as they disregarded an earlier order meant to protect civilians, and that police testimony was gathered improperly.
The case stems from remarks he made on April 3, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, urging Tanzanians to boycott the October 29 general elections, which he said were structured to favour President Samia Suluhu’s administration. Prosecutors maintain that his words amounted to incitement against the constitutional order.
On Monday, Judge Dunstan Ndunguru, delivering a decision on behalf of a panel of judges, said the court had reviewed the charge sheet and found it to be in line with legal requirements. He added that questions about Lissu’s intent would be determined during the trial once evidence is presented.
After the ruling, the treason charge was formally read out in court. Lissu admitted making the statements cited in the charge sheet but rejected the accusation of treason, insisting that “his words were political.” The court then presented him with a summary of the case and directed him to identify which facts he accepts and which he disputes as the hearing moves forward.
Lissu was arrested on April 9 at a public rally and charged the next day without entering a plea. He has remained in detention since then, as multiple bail applications have been denied.
His lengthy incarceration has drawn attention as a test of political freedoms under President Samia’s leadership, raising doubts over her reform promises and concerns about the handling of opposition voices.
