Tanzanian opposition leader cleared of treason, sentenced for incitement

Tanzania's leading opposition figure, Tundu Lissu, has been found guilty of incitement and sentenced to four years in prison, while being acquitted of treason, according to prosecutors. The decision has been deemed politically motivated by rights groups and his supporters, who claim it is part of a crackdown on dissent. The predominantly male crowd outside the courtroom in Tanzania's capital, Dar es Salaam, cheered and waved as Lissu entered the hearing in a heavily guarded convoy.

Lissu alleged that his speech, in which he warned supporters the opposition would "block the election" and "mobilise rebellion", was not in violation of any law and that the charges were politically motivated. Lissu's detention and disqualification from the elections, along with allegations of government critics being abducted, contributed to the worst political unrest in the country's history during the October 2025 elections, resulting in hundreds of deaths.

Amnesty International condemned the verdict, calling for Lissu's release, stating that he should never have been arrested, prosecuted, or convicted.