The European Parliament on Wednesday May 7th 2025 engaged in an urgent debate about the arrest of Tundu Lissu, the Chair of Chadema, Tanzania’s main opposition party. The debate focused on the politically motivated charges against Lissu, who is facing a potential death sentence. Although the resolution condemning his arrest was debated, the vote is scheduled for today May 8th 2025.
Lissu was arrested on the evening of April 9th 2025, after a peaceful rally in Mbinga, Ruvuma Region, where he advocated for electoral reforms. He was then charged with treason, a crime that carries a maximum of a death sentence in Tanzania, and the publication of false information under the country’s cybercrime laws. Lissu has been an outspoken critic of the government, surviving an assassination attempt in 2017, which led to his exile. He returned to Tanzania only to face renewed persecution.
The European Parliament expressed its firm opposition to the death penalty under all circumstances, emphasizing the risk Lissu faces if convicted. The Parliament also highlighted Tanzania’s ongoing crackdown on opposition parties, human rights defenders, journalists and civil society organizations. These actions have raised concerns about the government trying to silence opposition ahead of Tanzania’s October 2025 elections.
The Parliament called on Tanzanian authorities to end the escalating crackdown and to ensure that Lissu and other political leaders are granted a fair trial with legal representation. It also urged the Tanzanian government to allow CHADEMA to participate fully in the upcoming elections, reinstating the party’s rights and engaging in dialogue with all political parties on necessary electoral reforms.
The European Parliament also called for continued engagement with Tanzanian authorities, encouraging the EU to monitor Lissu’s trial closely and to consider appropriate measures. There was also emphasis on the need for Tanzania to abolish the death penalty and to comply with international human rights standards.
Several Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) spoke passionately during the debate, calling for Lissu’s immediate release and highlighting the broader issues of political repression in Tanzania.
Jan-Christoph Oetjen, a Member of the European Parliament, emphasized the EU’s expectations for Tanzania:
“And we had high hopes here in the House, after Samira Suluhu Hassan became president of Tanzania. We hoped for reforms, but it seems Tanzania is not heading in a positive direction. We request the Tanzanian authorities to free Tundu Lissu, organize free and fair elections and allow opposition parties to participate equally. We ask Tanzania to cherish democracy, so that it remains a good partner for the European Union.”
Michael McGrath, EU Commissioner for Democracy, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to human rights:
“We urge the authorities to ensure a fair trial for Tundu Lissu, to respect his fundamental rights and ensure the integrity of the upcoming elections. Let me also stress the EU’s strong and principled position against the death penalty in all cases and all circumstances. We call on Tanzania to take positive steps towards its full abolition in line with the worldwide trend. As a long-standing partner of the Tanzanian people with shared common goals, the EU remains committed to supporting dialogue and inclusivity in society for the benefit of all citizens. We are keen to further intensify our constructive dialogue with Tanzania on such matters, also with the support of the European Parliament.”
Reinhold Lopatka, another MEP, linked the issue to broader European cooperation with Tanzania:
“International organizations like Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch or the International Democracy Union have condemned Tundu Lissu’s arrest, with many calls for his release and condemnation of the attacks on political freedoms and human rights. The EU contributes hundreds of millions of euros to Tanzania through various initiatives. We have to be very clear that any European cooperation investment has to be tied to progress in the areas of the rule of law and human rights. The European Commission must closely monitor developments and especially Lissu’s trial.”
Catarina Vieira, an MEP, highlighted the systemic repression in Tanzania:
“Tundu Lissu’s case is not a standalone case. It exemplifies the regime’s treatment of political opposition, civil society organisations, journalists, indigenous peoples and human rights defenders. Anyone who poses a threat to the ruling elite is effectively silenced. The EU can and should do more. We should make any future EU investments in Tanzania conditional upon improvements of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Embassies and the EU delegation must monitor the trials of those unlawfully detained and we should increase the funds supporting civil society and indigenous communities. Today this Parliament stands with Mr. Lissu and with all of those unjustly deprived of freedom in Tanzania. To them we say, you are not alone.”
Tomasz Froelich, an MEP, described the challenges faced by Tanzania under its current leadership:
“When Samia Suluhu Hassan took over, she was extremely naive as well, as far as her particular approach. And there was persecution, torture, and all of that, with the help of the money that we provide. And with Mohamed Ali Kibao, something of a similar nature happened. So, right now, Tundu Lissu is in prison, with a death sentence hanging over his head as well. The stability of Tanzania is in our interest as well. It’s in our interest as well to protect this country from the terrible poverty that plagues it.”
Marit Maij, an MEP, raised concerns about Tanzania’s crackdown on civil society:
“In Tanzania, Tundu Lissu may be subject to the death penalty. Why? Because he stood up to the Tanzanian authorities. He’s been charged with treason, with publishing false information and could be subject to the death penalty. In October, elections will be held in Tanzania and the members of the opposition can’t stand they’re being repressed, they’re being arrested. We want sustainable development and we want to be able to work with Tanzania. But unfortunately, what we’re seeing is a crackdown on civil society and journalists there and the European Union really should be speaking up against countries where the death penalty exists, including Tanzania. Rule of law, freedom of expression, judicial independence, they’re not optional. We call on the commission as well as the member states to ensure that Mr Tundu Lissu’s trial is followed very closely so that we can see that it was fair and hopefully he will be released.”
