Tanzania Opposition Leader’s Disputed Abduction Claims
Editorial : Africa Eye
Conflicting claims have emerged regarding the whereabouts of Tanzanian politician Tundu Lissu, a prominent member of the opposition party Chadema, following reports of his alleged transfer from a government detention facility. Chadema party officials stated yesterday that they could not verify his current status after he was reportedly moved from a detention center where he had been held last week in connection with legal charges. The party has formally requested clarification from the authorities and urged the Tanzanian Prison Service and other relevant entities to act transparently.
The Tanzanian Prison Service denied claims that Lissu had been transferred, asserting that he remains detained at Keko Prison in Dar es Salaam. Elizabeth Mbizi, spokesperson for the Prison Service, stated: Public claims suggesting his transfer are incorrect. He is under lawful detention in accordance with judicial protocols. Lissu, who secured second place in the 2020 presidential race, faces charges related to a public speech that authorities allege violated legal standards. He has yet to formally respond to these charges in court.
This controversy unfolds amid escalating political tensions ahead of general elections scheduled for October. Last week, the Tanzanian Electoral Commission excluded Chadema from participating, citing the party’s refusal to sign a code of conduct linked to its demands for procedural reforms. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who assumed office in 2021, has received both praise and criticism last Friday for her governance approach.
While credited with reversing her predecessor’s restrictive policies on civil liberties, her administration faces scrutiny over recent legal measures against political figures and unresolved allegations of misconduct. Hassan has reaffirmed her government’s commitment to respecting legal frameworks and human rights.
-
Displaced Families Return to a Devastated Khartoum
Edited By: Tendai Zola After more than two years of brutal conflict, Sudan’s capital Khartoum is showing signs of life again.... Society -
Gabon’s President Oligui Nguema Slams Rejection of Legislative Candidates
Edited By: Africa Eye Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema has strongly criticized the exclusion of several candidates from the upcoming... Politics -
Libya: Delayed Municipal Elections Finally Held in Seven Northwestern Towns
Edited By : Tendai Zola Libyans in seven municipalities in the country’s northwest were finally able to cast their votes on... Politics -
Congo Prosecutor Demands Death Penalty for Ex-President Joseph Kabila
Edited By: Tendai Zola A Congolese prosecutor has requested the death penalty against former President Joseph Kabila, who is being tried... Politics -
Kenya: Five Bodies Unearthed in New Suspected Cult Grave Site
Edited By: Widad WAHBI Authorities in southeastern Kenya have uncovered at least five bodies from shallow graves believed to be linked... Society -
DRC: Former Special Advisor François Beya Acquitted of Assassination Plot
Edited By: Widad WAHBI A military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has acquitted François Beya, former special advisor... Politics