Tanzania’s political landscape is facing renewed turbulence following the arrest of John Heche, vice-chairman of the main opposition party Chadema, on Tuesday. Heche was detained during a rally in Dar es Salaam, days after the party’s leader, Tundu Lissu, and several other officials were also arrested, escalating tensions ahead of the upcoming presidential election.
According to a statement by Chadema, Heche was apprehended while addressing supporters in defiance of police warnings. Authorities had ordered the rally to be moved, but the party claims the official notification arrived too late to make alternative arrangements. Chadema spokesperson Brenda Rupia stated that the party has been unable to determine where Heche is being held, raising concerns about transparency and due process.
The arrest comes amid rising accusations of an orchestrated clampdown on opposition voices. “We believe these arrests are part of a calculated strategy to paralyze the opposition’s constitutional mandate, suppress the voice of the people, and restrict political space as the country prepares for a crucial election period,” Chadema said in a statement.
Tundu Lissu, a prominent critic of the ruling establishment and President Samia Suluhu Hassan, is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday to face treason charges — an offense that carries a possible death sentence under Tanzanian law. Both Lissu and Heche have accused President Samia of reverting to authoritarian practices, a claim echoed by international human rights groups and some Western governments who have condemned the arrests and other alleged abuses.
Tensions further escalated after a government official hinted that Chadema might be barred from participating in the elections, citing the party’s refusal to sign a controversial code of electoral conduct. Chadema has insisted on reforms before committing to the code, arguing it undermines democratic principles.
The unfolding events have triggered alarm among civil society organizations and the international community, who fear that Tanzania’s democratic gains are at risk. With elections looming, all eyes are now on the Tanzanian government’s next moves and whether it will honor its commitments to political pluralism and the rule of law.
