Tanzania Opposition Leader’s Disputed Abduction Claims

Edition : 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.