Tanzania’s opposition leader Tundu Lissu will face a treason trial after a High Court ruled that prosecutors had presented enough evidence for him to answer the charges.
Lissu, the leader of the opposition Chadema party, has been in detention since April 2025 after being accused of encouraging Tanzanians to boycott elections. Treason carries a possible death sentence in Tanzania.
The three-judge panel ruled on Friday after prosecutors presented evidence and called 17 witnesses.
“The prosecution established a case which the accused needs to answer,” Judge Dunstan Ndunguru said.
Lissu, who is representing himself, rejected the case as politically motivated. He told the court he wants several senior government officials to appear as defence witnesses, including President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
He also raised concerns that he has been unable to meet his lawyers and witnesses while in prison.
Security tightened around court
Security was increased around the High Court as Lissu’s supporters gathered for the ruling. Foreign diplomats also attended the proceedings.
Chadema supporters expressed disappointment with the decision but said they would continue following the case.
Lissu has spent years challenging Tanzania’s political leadership. He returned from exile in 2023 after surviving an assassination attempt in 2017 and has faced repeated arrests.
His latest legal battle began after Chadema launched its “No Reforms, No Elections” campaign, demanding changes to the electoral system before the November polls.
The trial comes amid wider criticism of Tanzania’s handling of election-related unrest. The government says more than 500 people were killed during the violence, while opposition groups and rights organisations have reported much higher figures and accused security forces of using excessive force.
Lissu’s case is therefore being closely watched as a test of Tanzania’s political and legal environment following the disputed elections.
African Updates
