Tanzania court rules opposition leader has case to answer in treason trial

On Friday, Tanzania's court announced that opposition leader Tundu Lissu will face a treason trial, confirming he has grounds to answer the charges. Lissu, the head of the opposition Chadema party, was arrested in April 2025 and accused of inciting the public to boycott last year's elections, a charge that could result in the death penalty.

A three-judge panel ruled that the prosecution's case was valid, following 17 witness testimonies presented by the prosecution. Lissu, who returned from exile in 2023, has a history of political activism and a prior assassination attempt in 2017. The ruling came amidst heightened security at the high court and the presence of Lissu’s supporters, foreign diplomats, and media.

The court heard that Lissu plans to call several government officials, including President Samia Suluhu Hassan, as defense witnesses. Lissu, representing himself, expressed frustration over his inability to communicate with his lawyers and witnesses, requesting the court to address these issues. Prior to the November elections, Lissu's party launched a campaign against electoral reforms, leading to his arrest.

The opposition party accuses incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who won the last election with a landslide victory, of reverting to the authoritarian methods of her predecessor, John Magufuli. The government claims that over 500 people were killed during the election unrest, but does not disclose the perpetrators.