Tundu Lissu A Prominent Tanzanian Lawyer, Politician, and Human Rights Advocate.
Political Career and Advocacy
Lissu
began his political journey in 2010 when he was elected as the Member of
Parliament for Singida East. He gained recognition for his outspoken criticism
of government corruption and his advocacy for constitutional reforms. In 2017,
he survived an assassination attempt, being shot multiple times by unknown
assailants, an incident widely believed to be politically motivated.
Following
the attack, Lissu spent several years in exile, returning to Tanzania in 2023
after receiving assurances of his safety. In January 2025, he was elected as
the chairman of CHADEMA, defeating long-time leader Freeman Mbowe.
Recent Legal Challenges
On
April 9, 2025, Lissu was arrested and charged with treason after leading a
rally in Mbinga advocating for electoral reforms under the slogan "No
Reforms, No Election." The treason charge, a non-bailable offense in
Tanzania, carries a maximum death penalty. Lissu has been on a hunger strike to
protest the use of virtual court hearings, insisting on appearing in person. A
magistrate has ordered him to attend a May 19, 2025 hearing.
His
arrest has drawn international condemnation, with organizations like Amnesty
International calling for his immediate release and criticizing the Tanzanian
government's suppression of opposition voices.
CHADEMA's Disqualification from Elections
In
April 2025, the National Electoral Commission disqualified CHADEMA from
participating in the upcoming general elections, citing the party's failure to
sign a mandatory code of conduct. This move has been perceived by many as a
tactic to suppress political dissent and has raised concerns about the state of
democracy in Tanzania.
Social Media Presence
Tundu
Lissu remains active on social media, using platforms like X (formerly Twitter)
to communicate with supporters and share his perspectives on political
developments in Tanzania.
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