In a growing political standoff in Tanzania, two prominent opposition leaders from the main Chadema party were briefly detained on Monday, along with 12 other party members. The detentions came as police sought to block a planned demonstration in Dar es Salaam, despite a government ban on the protest.
Chadema’s chairman, Freeman Mbowe, was arrested as he prepared to lead what the party had called a peaceful protest. Simultaneously, police in a convoy of 11 vehicles surrounded the home of Chadema’s deputy leader, Tundu Lissu, before arresting him, according to statements from the party.
The demonstrations were intended to protest recent allegations of killings and abductions targeting opposition figures in the country. However, authorities, including President Samia Suluhu Hassan, had strongly opposed the protests. Last week, President Samia warned that her government would not tolerate actions that threatened public order, and police subsequently declared the protest illegal.
Despite the ban, Chadema remained determined to proceed with the demonstration. Speaking to journalists shortly before his arrest, Mbowe emphasized the importance of their cause, saying, “We’re paying the full price of democracy… as opposition leaders, we have to show the way.”
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The crackdown on Chadema leaders, and reports of journalists being detained while covering the events, have sparked concerns over the state of political freedoms in Tanzania. Police had cordoned off access to the homes of both Mbowe and Lissu early Monday, questioning anyone believed to be involved with the protest.
Both Mbowe and Lissu were later released on bail the same day, though it remains unclear what charges, if any, they will face in court.
These events mark a troubling shift for Tanzania, which last year saw President Samia lift a ban on opposition rallies and pledge to support a more competitive political landscape. However, many now fear that the current government’s recent actions signal a return to the restrictive policies seen under former President John Magufuli.
With local government elections approaching in November and the 2025 general election on the horizon, rights groups and opposition figures are increasingly concerned that the detentions are part of a broader strategy to intimidate political adversaries and stifle dissent. The detentions have cast doubt over Tanzania’s progress toward greater political freedoms, leading many to question the country’s direction under its current leadership.