New reports have raised alarm over the safety of Tanzanian opposition leader and CHADEMA chairman Tundu Lissu, warning that his life may be at serious risk.
Concerns over the safety of the CHADEMA chairman were raised by his personal team as he remains in detention without conviction for more than 470 days.
“Credible information indicates that Tundu Lissu’s life is at serious risk. For more than 470 days, Tundu has been held in detention in Tanzania as an unconvicted prisoner, without a fair and timely resolution of his case,” part of the statement dated July 26 read.
The report cites growing international concern over Tundu’s prolonged imprisonment, and his history as the survivor of a 2017 assassination attempt.
Further, Amnesty International, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, and the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) have called for the release of Lissu.
In addition to the international intervention, on July 10, 2026, the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group urged the Tanzanian government to resolve the matter within 30 days.
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Tundu Lissu’s Detention
Tundu Lissu has been held at Ukonga Prison for more than 470 days since his arrest during a CHADEMA rally at Mbinga in April 2025.
His detention followed his campaigning under the party’s “No Reforms, No Election” initiative ahead of Tanzania’s 2025 General Election.
Lissu was charged with treason and three additional counts of publishing false information under the Cyber Crimes Act.
According to the prosecution, Lissu called for the obstruction of the 2025 General Election and encouraged what authorities described as rebellion against the state’s constitutional order.
Prosecutors cite statements in which Lissu reportedly said that CHADEMA would “prevent the election,” “inspire rebellion,” and “disrupt” the electoral process as part of its campaign for political change.
Authorities argued that these remarks demonstrated an intention to mobilize the public against the electoral process and threaten constitutional governance.
Further, the authorities emphasized that the claims from the chairman of CHADEMA’s disqualification from local government elections on presidential instructions were falsified.
In addition, Lissu alleged that police officers were used to manipulate votes and that Tanzanian judges were politically aligned with the ruling CCM party.
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Lissu’s Legal Team Rejects Allegations
Lissu’s lawyers strongly contested the charges, arguing that the prosecution is criminalizing legitimate political expression.
The defense team further maintained that Tundu’s remarks were made in the context of a campaign and should be treated as protected political speech.
His legal team further challenged the validity of the charge sheet, explaining that it fails to outline how the alleged statements constitute treason and sufficiently demonstrate criminal intent.
Defense lawyers also questioned aspects of the prosecution’s evidence and procedural handling of the case.
At a later stage of proceedings, Lissu reportedly acknowledged making the statements cited by prosecutors but denied that they amounted to treason.
The defense has also filed a constitutional petition challenging restrictions on consultations between Lissu and his lawyers while he remains detained at Ukonga Prison.
According to his legal team, the restrictions interfere with his right to prepare an effective defense and undermine fair trial guarantees.
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