Tanzanian opposition leader urges courageous verdict in treason trial

Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu pleaded for an honest and bold verdict from a panel of three judges during his treason trial, which concluded with final submissions on Wednesday. Lissu faces charges related to inciting rebellion and attempting to obstruct the 2025 general election, a charge that could result in the death penalty. As he entered the Dar es Salaam High Court, supporters greeted him with enthusiastic cheers and applause.

The prosecution argued that the evidence presented met the legal requirements to secure a conviction, while the defense maintained that the prosecution had failed to establish its case. Lissu attempted to call three high-ranking security officials as witnesses to support his defense, but they declined to testify. The Chadema party leader, who placed second in the 2020 presidential election, has been in detention since April 2025. He maintains his innocence, stating that the charges are politically motivated.

The electoral commission of Tanzania barred Lissu's party from participating in the 2025 election due to its failure to sign a code of conduct document, leading to his disqualification from running for president. This left only candidates from minor parties to challenge incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who secured nearly 98% of the vote.

Hassan has faced increasing criticism for democratic backsliding, a diminishing civic space, and a violent post-election crackdown that ended her status as a reformist. Lissu survived a shooting attempt in 2017, in which he was hit 16 times. No one has been charged in connection with this incident.