Tanzanian police have detained prominent opposition figure Tundu Lissu and other Chadema party leaders, according to a Chadema official. They were arrested in the southwestern city of Mbeya, where the party was scheduled to hold a rally on Monday to celebrate International Youth Day, as stated by Chadema’s director of communications and foreign affairs, John Mrema, in a post on X late Sunday.
The police announced a ban on the Chadema youth gathering, alleging that the party was planning violent protests. The youth wing had anticipated around 10,000 young people would gather in Mbeya to celebrate International Youth Day under the theme “Take charge of your future.”
Chadema leader Freeman Mbowe condemned the arrests, stating, “We demand the immediate and unconditional release of all our leaders, members, and supporters who were arrested in various parts of the country.” He added that the party is closely monitoring the situation and will keep the public informed of developments as they occur.
Chadema officials had previously denounced the police ban and called on President Samia Suluhu Hassan to intervene.
