Tanzania opposition leader Tundu Lissu arrested after rally

Tundu Lissu, the leader of Tanzania's opposition party CHADEMA, was arrested on Wednesday after addressing a public rally in Mbinga district, according to his party.

The arrest follows Lissu's ongoing nationwide campaign for electoral reforms, where he has used the slogan "No Reforms, No Election" to demand changes in how the upcoming national election will be conducted.

CHADEMA confirmed the arrest on its social media account, stating that Lissu was detained alongside other party members shortly after addressing the crowd.

"Tundu Lissu has been arrested by the police in Mbinga district when he had just finished addressing a public meeting. Up to now, it is not known which police station he has been taken to," the party said.

The police, in their response, reportedly used tear gas to disperse the crowd.

The arrest comes amid accusations from human rights organizations that President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government is intensifying its crackdown on opposition figures ahead of the election later this year.

However, the government has denied these claims, asserting that actions taken against political figures are in accordance with the law.

Lissu, who has been vocal in his criticism of the government, is no stranger to danger.

In 2017, he survived a brutal assassination attempt, where he was shot 16 times.

His recent rallies have attracted significant attention as he continues to push for electoral reforms, which he argues are critical for a fair and free election.

Authorities have yet to comment in detail on the reasons for his detention.

A regional police commander, when contacted, declined to provide further information, stating only that he was in a meeting at the time.

The arrest of Lissu marks another chapter in Tanzania’s tense political climate, where opposition figures have faced increasing pressure from the government ahead of the 2025 elections.