Tanzania’s opposition party CHADEMA has raised concern over the safety of its chairman, Tundu Lissu, who remains in detention at Ukonga Prison while facing treason charges.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 27, 2026, and signed by the party’s Director of Communications and Publicity, Brenda Rupia, CHADEMA said it had received worrying information from the World Liberty Congress about what it described as a possible threat to Lissu’s life while in custody.
The World Liberty Congress, an organization that focuses on democracy, human rights and the rule of law, said it was deeply concerned about Lissu’s safety.
“The World Liberty Congress is gravely alarmed by credible source that the life of our member, Tundu Lissu, is in danger while in detention in Tanzania,” the organization said.
It further warned that any harm to Lissu while in state custody would be the responsibility of Tanzanian authorities, adding: “Any harm to him while in state custody would be the direct responsibility of the Tanzanian authorities.”
CHADEMA said the information had increased its concern over Lissu’s condition in prison, especially because he has now been held for more than 470 days.
The party also referred to challenges it says Lissu has faced while in detention, including difficulties in meeting his lawyers privately, alleged threats to his safety, and what it described as politically motivated charges linked to his stand on democracy, human rights, constitutional reform and the rule of law.
CHADEMA has called on Tanzania’s Prison Service and the officer in charge of Ukonga Prison to urgently ensure Lissu’s safety, respect his basic rights and provide information about his condition.
The party has also repeated its call for Lissu to be released unconditionally, saying he remains innocent unless proven guilty by a court of law.
The World Liberty Congress has also called on the Tanzanian government to immediately and unconditionally release Tundu Lissu, while urging the international community, democratic governments and human rights organizations to closely monitor his situation.
Lissu has been in detention since April 2025.
