Tanzanian police have arrested Tundu Lissu, the leader of the country’s main opposition party, CHADEMA, after he addressed a public meeting in Mbinga district.
The arrest has sparked controversy, with rights campaigners accusing the government of President Samia Suluhu Hassan of targeting opponents ahead of a national election later this year. The government denies these accusations.
Lissu had been holding rallies nationwide under the slogan “No Reforms, No Election,” calling for reforms in the electoral process.
His party reported that he was taken by police, along with other party members, and that tear gas was used to disperse the crowd.
A regional police commander declined to comment, citing a meeting.
This isn’t the first time Lissu has faced danger; he survived an assassination attempt in 2017, where he was shot 16 times.
The arrest has raised concerns about the government’s actions ahead of the national election.
