A coalition of African and international leaders has raised concern over the detention of Tanzania’s main opposition figures, Tundu Lissu and John Heche, accusing the government of silencing dissent ahead of the general election set for Tuesday, October 29, 2025.

In a joint statement released by the Platform for African Democrats (PAD), the group called for the immediate and unconditional release of both leaders, describing their arrests as politically motivated and a direct attack on democracy.

Lissu in custody

Tundu Lissu, the chairman of the opposition party CHADEMA, has been held since April 10 after being charged with treason and publishing false information. The charges carry the death penalty, and rights groups say they are designed to silence him ahead of the polls. Lissu has long been a fierce critic of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration, pushing for electoral reforms and accountability.

John Heche, CHADEMA’s deputy chairman, was arrested on October 22, just a week before the election. His party says his whereabouts remain unknown, and authorities have not disclosed the reason for his detention. PAD said it fears Heche is being mistreated and denied access to his family and lawyers.

“We call on authorities to demonstrate publicly that Heche is being treated humanely, with respect and dignity. We further call on authorities to present whatever charges they may have against Heche in accordance with Tanzanian and international law and to allow access to him by his family and legal counsel,” the statement read. “Failing to do so, we call for his immediate, unconditional release.”

Concern

The group also expressed deep concern about Lissu’s ongoing trial, saying it is marred by weak evidence and political interference.

“Tundu Lissu was arrested on April 9, 2025, and has been imprisoned since April 10, facing grave charges of treason and publishing false information—charges that are widely regarded as politically motivated,” PAD stated.

“These accusations not only threaten his life under the death penalty provision but also represent a dangerous weaponization of the law to silence legitimate dissent.”

“The Platform for African Democrats calls on Tanzanian authorities to ensure Lissu’s safety and well-being while imprisoned, in accordance with Tanzania’s Constitution and international commitments, including the UN Body of Principles for the Protection of All Persons under Any Form of Detention and the Nelson Mandela Rules.”

“The Platform also calls for the High Court to ensure the rule of law and justice prevail in his ongoing treason trial. The spurious evidence being presented by state prosecutors does not withstand judicial scrutiny. If not objectively considered and decided, this trial will make a mockery of Tanzanian rule of law before the eyes of the world.”

The statement was signed by more than 40 political leaders, human rights activists, and academics from across Africa and beyond. Among them are former Botswana president Ian Khama, Zimbabwe’s former finance minister Tendai Biti, Kenyan senator Edwin Sifuna, Nigerian opposition leader Peter Obi, and Venezuelan activist Leopoldo López.

PAD urged the African Union, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the East African Community (EAC) to hold Tanzania accountable for what it called a deliberate campaign to crush opposition voices. It also appealed to international partners to pressure President Samia’s government to ensure free and fair elections.

X post by Edwin Sifuna. PHOTO/Screengrab by People Daily Digital

Mounting concern over repression

Recent events in Tanzania have drawn attention from across the region. Heche was first detained briefly on October 18 while trying to travel to Kenya for the burial of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Four days later, police arrested him again outside the High Court in Dar es Salaam, where he had gone to attend Lissu’s trial. Reports indicate that he was transported to Tarime, a northern town more than 1,300 kilometres from the capital, though police have not confirmed his location.

Lissu’s detention in April and the ban on CHADEMA from participating in this year’s elections have left the ruling CCM party facing little competition. The second-largest opposition party, ACT-Wazalendo, also saw its candidate, Luhaga Mpina, disqualified.