Tanzanian opposition leader found guilty of inciting unrest but acquitted of treason

Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu has been found guilty of inciting unrest and sentenced to four years in prison, though he was acquitted of the more serious charge of treason. The three-judge panel at the High Court in Dar es Salaam decided that the 58-year-old encouraged his supporters to disrupt the 2025 general election, although they stated prosecutors could not prove a crucial aspect of the treason charge.

Lissu, who leads the opposition Chadema party, has consistently denied these allegations, labeling the prosecution as politically motivated. The court ruled that his campaign slogan "No Reforms, No Election" constituted sufficient evidence to convict him of incitement. Lissu argued that the court had created a new offense of incitement, which did not exist and was formed under political directives.

He expressed his desire to apply for bail, as this option is available for incitement but not for treason. Lissu has the opportunity to appeal his conviction to the country's highest court, the Court of Appeal. Treason is among Tanzania's most serious offenses and can be punishable by death.