Tanzania’s opposition leader and CHADEMA Chairman Tundu Lissu has been honoured with the Akufo-Addo Africa Democracy Award for his strong contribution to the fight for democracy in Tanzania and across Africa, despite facing difficult and often dangerous conditions.

 

The award was presented by former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo during the Democracy Union of Africa Forum (DUA) 2025, held in Nairobi, Kenya, on October 28. Deogratias Munishi, who previously served as Secretary General of the CHADEMA Youth Council (BAVICHA) between 2011 and 2014, received the award on behalf of Lissu.

“Today in Nairobi, I received on behalf of Chairman Tundu Lissu the Akufo-Addo Africa Democracy Award presented by former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo and DUA. The award recognizes Lissu’s dedication to democracy in Tanzania despite facing dangerous conditions. It was also an honour for me to read his message to the DUA gathering,” Munishi wrote on his X account.

Lissu has been in remand for over 200 days, facing treason charges, with his case adjourned to November 3, just days after the October 29 general election. His message, read at the forum, expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed his commitment to justice and political reforms.

The honour comes as Tanzania approaches its October 29 general elections, with both Lissu and CHADEMA Deputy Chairperson John Heche still in custody and the latter missing, a situation that has drawn concern from rights groups and regional observers.