Tanzania: Lissu Trial Postponed & Post-Election Repression Concerns
- Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – The treason trial of prominent opposition leader Tundu Lissu resumed today, Monday, February 9, 2026, but was quickly adjourned again, marking the latest...
- Lissu, a vocal critic of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, which has governed Tanzania since its independence, arrived at the court to a gathering of supporters.
- The trial was previously postponed in November after Lissu objected to the same tactic of concealed witnesses.
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – The treason trial of prominent opposition leader Tundu Lissu resumed today, , but was quickly adjourned again, marking the latest delay in a case widely viewed as politically motivated. The hearing, held at the High Court of Tanzania in Dar es Salaam, was postponed after Lissu raised objections to the prosecution’s plan to utilize secret witnesses, who would testify from an enclosed cell.
Lissu, a vocal critic of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, which has governed Tanzania since its independence, arrived at the court to a gathering of supporters. He is accused of inciting the public to obstruct elections, stemming from his “No Reforms, No Elections” campaign which called for electoral reforms. The prosecution alleges that Lissu published false information online in connection with the campaign.
This latest adjournment follows a pattern of delays. The trial was previously postponed in November after Lissu objected to the same tactic of concealed witnesses. Prior to that, the case had been delayed on at least five occasions, including a postponement in August , as reported by Human Rights Watch. The repeated postponements have fueled concerns about the fairness and transparency of the legal proceedings.
The case against Lissu has drawn international attention, particularly given his history of political activism and a previous assassination attempt in . He spent time in exile before returning to campaign for reforms ahead of the general election in . His continued detention, as treason is a capital offense, prevents him from being released on bail.
The delays coincide with a broader context of political repression in Tanzania, particularly in the lead-up to and following the general election. In June , the High Court of Tanzania suspended Lissu’s political party, Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema), from engaging in any political activities. Prior to this, the Independent National Electoral Commission barred Chadema from contesting the October elections, citing the party’s refusal to sign the electoral code of conduct without meaningful reforms.
The restrictions on Chadema and the prosecution of Lissu are indicative of a tightening grip on political opposition. Concerns were further raised when Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan human rights lawyer Agather Atuhaire were detained by Tanzanian authorities in May while attempting to attend Lissu’s trial. According to media reports, Mwangi and Atuhaire alleged they were beaten and threatened by police.
The use of secret witnesses raises significant fair trial concerns. Allowing testimony from concealed locations undermines the defendant’s ability to effectively challenge the evidence presented against them and to confront their accusers. This practice is likely to further erode confidence in the impartiality of the judicial process.
The next hearing is scheduled for , when the court is expected to rule on Lissu’s objections regarding the prosecution’s witness strategy. The outcome of this ruling will be crucial in determining the future course of the trial and its implications for political freedoms in Tanzania.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who assumed office in , has faced increasing pressure to address concerns about human rights and democratic governance. While she initially signaled a willingness to open up political space, the continued prosecution of Lissu and the restrictions on Chadema suggest a more cautious approach. The international community will be closely watching how the case unfolds, as it represents a key test of Tanzania’s commitment to the rule of law and democratic principles.
The case also highlights the challenges faced by opposition movements in East Africa, where authoritarian tendencies remain prevalent. The suppression of dissent and the manipulation of electoral processes are common tactics employed by ruling parties to maintain power. The situation in Tanzania serves as a cautionary tale for other countries in the region, underscoring the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions and protecting the rights of political opponents.