Tundu Antiphas Mughwai Lissu, one of Tanzania’s most prominent opposition figures, has survived bullets, jail cells, and political exile.
Yet his fight for justice and democracy continues, even under the constant threat of arrest and, most recently, a charge of treason, a capital offence in Tanzania.
Born on January 20, 1968, in Tanzania, Lissu began his education at Mahambe Primary School in 1976, completing his Certificate of Primary Education in 1982.
He proceeded to Ilboru Secondary School and later Galanos Secondary School, completing his A-Levels in 1989.
He then enrolled at the University of Dar es Salaam, earning his Bachelor of Laws in 1994. Lissu later obtained his Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom in 1996.
Career of Tundu Lissu
Lissu began his professional career as a teacher at Bondeni Secondary School in 1990, before moving into legal practice.
Between 1995 and 1997, he worked as a legal officer at D’Souza Chambers. He later joined the Lawyers’ Environmental Action Team (LEAT) as a researcher and counsel from 1999 to 2009, concurrently working with the World Resources Institute (WRI) from 1999 to 2002.
In these roles, Lissu built his reputation in environmental and land rights law, especially in cases involving mining and conservation zones.
His shift into politics began in the early 1990s as a member of the NCCR Mageuzi party.
In 2004, he became the Chief Legal Officer for Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), a role he continues to hold.
In 2010, Lissu entered Parliament representing Singida East, a position he retained through the 2015 elections. He served on several key parliamentary committees, including the Constitution and Legal Affairs Committee and the Subsidiary Legislations Committee.
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Lissu quickly became known for his fierce criticism of government excesses, corruption, and what he viewed as authoritarianism, particularly under President John Pombe Magufuli.
Political Career
He was instrumental in preparing the so-called “List of Shame,” a report exposing senior government officials allegedly involved in embezzlement and misuse of public funds.
His activism made him a frequent target. In 2017 alone, Lissu was arrested at least six times, facing accusations ranging from insulting the president to disturbing public order.
One notable case in March of that year involved his detention for allegedly “uttering words intended to wound religious feelings.”
In July, he was arrested again after revealing that a government-owned plane had been seized in Canada over unpaid debts, a statement that led to charges of sedition.
On August 23, 2017, Lissu’s home was raided by police, and he was arrested once more after referring to Magufuli as a “petty dictator.”
Shot 16 times in an Attempt Assasination
Just weeks later, on September 7, 2017, gunmen shot at Lissu 16 times outside his home in Dodoma in what was widely seen as a politically motivated assassination attempt.
He underwent more than 20 surgeries in Kenya and Belgium and spent years recovering abroad.
Lissu returned to Tanzania in July 2020, welcomed at the airport by supporters who hailed him as a symbol of resistance.
That same year, he was chosen as CHADEMA’s presidential candidate after defeating two challengers. His direct and uncompromising style resonated with voters who felt stifled by Magufuli’s repressive policies.
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Despite losing the election, his campaign re-energized the opposition and kept pressure on the ruling party.
Life Under Suluhu Government
Following the death of Magufuli in 2021, his successor, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, was initially praised for signaling a shift toward political openness.
Lissu returned from exile again, hopeful for reform. However, his relationship with the new administration quickly soured.
On April 3, 2023, Lissu addressed a public rally in Dar es Salaam, calling for sweeping electoral reforms.
According to a charge sheet later presented in court, Lissu was quoted as saying, “We are going to spoil this election. We are going to really disrupt … We will inspire rebellion. That is the way to get change.”
Days later, he was arrested and formally charged with treason, a capital offense under Tanzanian law.
Critics say the charges cast doubt on President Hassan’s reformist credentials, accusing her government of reverting to authoritarian tactics to suppress dissent.
The case against Lissu has drawn international concern and is expected to intensify as Tanzania approaches the 2025 general elections.
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