Today, April 9, 2026, marks one year since the violent arrest and continued arbitrary detention of opposition leader and national chairperson of CHADEMA, Tundu Antipas Lissu. He was arrested in Mbinga town, Ruvuma Region, during a political rally.

The former Singida East MP now faces trumped-up and fabricated treason charges that have been widely criticized not only in Tanzania but across the globe as politically motivated. The anniversary has been dubbed ‘’Lissu arrest day’’ by the opposition and human rights defenders.

The arbitrary detention of Mr Lissu is indicative of a deeper democratic regression in a country that was once regarded as a pillar of stability in East Africa.

Lissu’s prolonged detention has sparked widespread condemnation, with Amnesty International and the European Parliament calling for his immediate release. The charges against him are seen as politically motivated, aiming to suppress opposition voices in the country.

Lissu, a vocal critic of the government, has faced persecution and harassment in the past. In 2017, he survived an assassination attempt and was forced into exile, only to face renewed persecution upon his return to Tanzania.

The trial has been postponed multiple times, with Lissu remaining in detention. His case has become a symbol of the crackdown on opposition and activists in Tanzania.

Tundu Lissu’s trial process has also raised fundamental questions about due process, judicial independence, and the rule of law.

In recent years, there has been a discernible tightening of civic space in Tanzania. In the run-up to the general election in October 2025, Opposition rallies faced restrictions, media outlets operated under pressure, critics risked harassment or detention, and international media and observers were contained by the President Samia Suluhu administration.

Despite Tanzania gagging several institutions towards the 29^th October 2025 election, the country descended into its worst and darkest days after police brutally shot hundreds of people during and after the election. Others were arrested, injured, maimed, and several are still missing or have disappeared.

To date, no police or individuals have been arrested in connection with the mass killings witnessed in Tanzania.  Lissu’s trial case is still ongoing.