Tanzania witnessed a dramatic escalation in political tensions on Monday, with the arrest of prominent opposition leaders from the Chadema party, as the government intensified efforts to block a protest in Dar es Salaam, the nation’s commercial hub. Despite a government ban on public demonstrations, Chadema vowed to push forward with its planned rally, leading to a sweeping police crackdown.
Freeman Mbowe, Chadema’s chairman, and his deputy, Tundu Lissu, were both arrested by Tanzanian police. These arrests come amidst allegations from Chadema that the Tanzanian government has been orchestrating a campaign of intimidation, kidnapping, and even killings targeting opposition figures.
Allegations of State-Led Abductions and Killings
The protest, which was set to address these concerns, was triggered by Chadema’s allegations that security forces were responsible for the abduction and assassination of several party members. Most notably, Ali Mohamed Kibao, a member of Chadema’s national secretariat, was found dead earlier in September. His killing, along with the disappearance of other opposition members, has fueled mounting anger within the party.
Chadema’s protests were aimed at bringing attention to what they describe as a return to repressive tactics that were prevalent under former President John Magufuli’s administration. Magufuli, who passed away in 2021, had earned a reputation for ruling Tanzania with an iron fist, suppressing opposition rallies, silencing the media, and clamping down on dissent. His successor, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, initially signaled a more liberal approach to governance, lifting bans on opposition rallies and easing media restrictions. However, opposition leaders argue that her administration has now reverted to authoritarian measures.
Crackdown on Opposition Figures
Monday’s events are the latest in a series of actions taken against Chadema. In August, Tanzanian authorities blocked a youth day rally organized by the party, arresting dozens of leaders, including Mbowe and Lissu. Riot police have continued to maintain a heavy presence across Dar es Salaam, with officers stationed at key intersections and public spaces to prevent opposition gatherings.
In a video posted online by the party prior to his arrest, Mbowe condemned the government’s use of force and urged Tanzanians to stand up for their constitutional rights. “Demonstration is our constitutional right, and we are surprised by the magnitude of force being used by the police to threaten people and suppress our freedom,” he stated before being led away by police.
Despite the ban, Chadema insists that their protests are peaceful, with Mbowe making it clear in a speech on Sunday that the party had no intention of inciting violence. “I remind Tanzanians that we are going to hold peaceful protests. We are neither carrying any weapons nor planning to violate the peace as some people allege,” he said. Mbowe called on supporters to remain steadfast even in the face of arrests, injuries, or potential fatalities. “In case some of us will be arrested, hurt, or even killed, pray for us and never turn back. We are doing this to make our country a peaceful place to live,” he added.
A Return to Repressive Tactics?
Chadema’s leadership has accused President Hassan’s administration of backtracking on the progress made after Magufuli’s death. While Hassan’s initial steps to loosen restrictions on the political opposition were welcomed both domestically and internationally, Chadema argues that the government is now employing similar repressive measures that were characteristic of her predecessor’s rule.
Rights groups and international governments, including the United States, have expressed concerns over Tanzania’s political climate, especially with local elections scheduled for November 2024 and a general election in 2025. The renewed wave of arrests and police brutality raises alarm bells about the fairness and openness of these upcoming elections.
Tundu Lissu, who narrowly escaped death in a 2017 assassination attempt, had returned to Tanzania last year following President Hassan’s decision to lift the ban on opposition rallies. His multiple arrests since then underscore the persistent challenges faced by opposition leaders in Tanzania, despite brief periods of political liberalization.
Calls for International Attention
As Chadema presses forward with its demands for justice and political freedom, the arrests of Mbowe and Lissu spotlight the fragile nature of democracy in Tanzania. Opposition leaders are calling on the international community to pay close attention to these developments, fearing that without external pressure, the Tanzanian government could continue on a path toward greater political repression.
The outcome of Chadema’s struggle with the government will likely shape Tanzania’s political landscape in the lead-up to the 2025 general elections. For now, the country remains deeply polarized, with questions lingering over the balance between national security and democratic freedoms.
