CHADEMA Chairman Tundu Lissu, on 15th April 2026, held talks with Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, the Commonwealth’s special envoy to Tanzania, to discuss the future of law and governance in the country. Dr Chakwera visited Tundu Lissu at Ukonga prison as part of his peace mission in Tanzania following the violence witnessed during and after the general election in the country.
During the talks, Lissu presented Chakwera with seven irreducible minimums he said require urgent attention to restore confidence in Tanzania’s democratic institutions:
Dropping of political cases
Lissu called for the dismissal of the treason case against him and related charges facing CHADEMA members, arguing that the prosecutions are politically motivated.
SADC-led probe into October 29 events
He urged an independent investigation, under the Southern African Development Community (SADC), into incidents that occurred on October 29. The party did not detail the events, but CHADEMA has previously raised concerns over alleged state actions against opposition activities in late 2025.
Environment for genuine dialogue
The CHADEMA leader pressed for the creation of an “enabling environment” to allow for meaningful political dialogue between the government and opposition.
Institutional accountability for October 2025
Lissu demanded accountability from key state bodies for their roles in the events of October 2025. He specifically cited the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA). He also called for a review of the 1992 Judge Francis Nyalali Commission Report, which recommended multiparty reforms and constitutional changes that were only partially implemented.
Security sector reforms
Reforms of Tanzania’s security and defense organs were also tabled, with Lissu arguing that depoliticization of the forces is essential for free political activity.
Overhaul of the electoral system
He proposed a complete overhaul of the electoral framework, including the establishment of a new, independent election management body. Lissu said the reforms should reflect recommendations from various past election observer missions.
New constitution
Finally, Lissu reiterated CHADEMA’s long-standing demand for a new constitution, saying the current framework does not adequately safeguard political rights or ensure separation of powers.
It is now one year since Tundu Lissu, Chairman of CHADEMA, was arrested and imprisoned on charges of treason and sedition.
His case has attracted international attention, sparking debate about constitutional rights, judicial transparency, and political freedom in Tanzania.
This case is one of the biggest political cases in Tanzania since the return of multiparty politics in 1992.
